Microsoft is readying a free version of SQL Server and low-cost versions of developer tools for enthusiasts and non-professional users.

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition will replace Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine as the software maker's lightweight database offering of choice.

Microsoft also changed the name of its Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE), the little brother of its SQL Server database, to SQL Server Express Edition.

Microsoft is readying a free version of SQL Server and low-cost versions of developer tools for enthusiasts and non-professional users. The company announced that later this week it will post beta ...