SQL Server Express 2012 and 10.1

[TimHayes]

We recently migrated from a File Geodatabase to SQL Server 2008 R2 with ArcGIS 10.1 (Desktop, SDE, Server). We have an Enterprise Geodatabase which we manage from inside ArcGIS 10.1. This setup is working very well for us and meets our needs.

Is SQL Server Express 2012 compatible with ArcGIS 10.1?

Would you recommend I stay at 2008 R2 or migrate to 2012? your opinions are welcome.

From the ArcGIS side, are there any differences in how a geodatabase is managed using SQL Server Express 2012?

Is there any documentation regarding using ArcGIS 10.1 with SQL Server Express 2012?

Are there any issues to be aware of when using ArcGIS 10.1 with SQL Serveer Express 2012?

[MuneebAnsari]

Yes, SQL Server Express 2012 is compatible with ArcGIS 10.1

Microsoft SQL Server database requirements for ArcGIS 10.1
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/system-requirements/10.1/index.html#//015100000070000000

SQL Server 2012 provides new enhancements for high availability and recovery, so upgrading to SQL Server 2012 will be a good option.

Express SQL Server editions are used when you are utilizing ArcSDE workgroup or ArcSDE personal geodatabase. If you have ArcSDE enterprise geodatabase, you will have to use SQL Server 2012 Enterprise edition.

-The SQL Server Express databases can be administered via Database servers in ArcGIS 10.1.

What are database servers in ArcGIS?
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#/What_are_database_servers_in_ArcGIS/018t00...

If you are planning to use SQL Server Native datatype 'GEOMETRY' or 'GEOGRAPHY' to store the feature classes in your SQL Server 2012 geodatabase, you will experience slow performance which has been identified as a software defect:

Bug NIM-082657
http://support.esri.com/en/bugs/nimbus/role/beta10_1/TklNMDgyNjU3

[TimHayes]

Is there somewhere I can find documentation explaining ArcSDE 10.1 Standard Enterprise support for SQL Server Express 2012. On the ESRI site all I have seen is this http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/techarticles/detail/40559

This article says that 10.1 Standard Enterprise supports same functions in SQL Server 2008 R2 Express as in 2012 Express.