Moving away from Full SQL Server

[TimSaksa]

Okay true discussion topic. 

I was told to do research on moving away from the full SQL Server software.  As a whole we don't have enough workload to justify the cost of upkeep on the software.  Question is where should we go????  Should we just downgrade to a SQL Server Express license or change platforms all together?  We publish map services that are updated real time via our Enterprise license.  We cannot lose that capability.  I would imagine that all of the database platforms would support this functionality.  I have looked into PostgreSQL, and DB2 (IBM).  Both seem capable but the only experience I have with database management has been with SQL Server.  I am thinking of ease of data transfer and workability. 


Software versions:
ArcDesktop 10.1 SP1 (Standard)
ArcServer 10.1
SQL Server 2008 R2

I am just looking for insight on previous experience with changing database platforms.

Thanks.....

[RichardWatson]

What cost are you taking about?

Is it the cost to purchase the software, the cost to have maintenance/support, or the cost of your time maintaining it?

I think that you need a table which lists all the costs for all databases so that you can compare them.

Of course, SQL Express is much less functional but if you load is so small that it works for you then go for it.

Another solution is to just use a file geodatabase.  You have not told us why you even need a RDBMS.

[TimSaksa]

What cost are you taking about?

Another solution is to just use a file geodatabase.  You have not told us why you even need a RDBMS.

It is the cost to renew the license and to keep maintenance/support.

I did mention that we have services that are updated via our Enterprise database(SDE database) which has to run on a database system. 

That data is edited by multiple people at the same time.

[KeithGanzenmuller]

Have you considered moving to PostgreSQL?
I don't have much experience with it but when we were looking to add an external server I played around with it.
I believe its still a free fully supported RDBMS within ArcGIS.
http://www.postgresql.org

[TimSaksa]

kganz,

I have done a little research into PostgreSQL, it is still free, but I wasn't sure on the interface of it.  Is it easy to work with, set up, back up, etc?  I know I probably just need to download and play, but I was hoping to get some insite before loading up on different softwares.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Tim

[nicogis]

if you are in Windows Platform you can take advantage of integration of o.s. ( for example windows authentication)
easy of update (patch, service pack) and configuration (for example implements a cluster SQL server on cluster Microsoft)
integration with tecnology/environment of develop using language of microsft .net framework and tecnology ASP.NET for creating web application or code server side and a great sql server management and also you don't lose your experience in sql server.