Microsoft provides a variety of versions and editions of SQL Server to correspond with differing needs. While we find that SQL Server Express is sufficient for most firms, factors such as the number of concurrent users, the amount of data, any additional applications needed within your firm, and so forth, may require that you install and use an upgraded version of SQL Server.
Due to the complexity of setting up and maintaining a SQL Server environment, it is recommended that you consult with your firm's qualified IT professional or a SQL certified technician before you do so.
Cost and licensing
The Express edition of SQL Server is free and is included in the installation each of the CS Professional Suite applications that use SQL databases. However, the Express edition of SQL does have limitations (see SQL Server version comparisons table below). Many of these limitations are removed with the paid versions of SQL. These versions of SQL can vary in licensing options and pricing.
Accounting CS with Firm-Hosted Client Access requires Microsoft Volume Licensing that can be based on a "per server + Client Access License (CAL)" or "per core" basis.
- When licensed "per server + CAL", a CAL must be purchased for each user and/or device accessing the SQL Server.
- When licensed "per core", there is not a limit on the number of users and/or devices that can access the SQL Server.
All other CS Professional Suite applications do not require specific SQL Licensing and Support cannot advise on SQL Licensing. For more information, refer to Microsoft's SQL Server Pricing. 
SQL Server version comparisons
Refer to the following tables for a comparison of the different versions and editions of SQL Server.
Note: After July 12, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support SQL Server 2012 or earlier
For more information about the feature differences of SQL Server, refer to the following Microsoft articles
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- Features Supported by the Editions of SQL Server 2012
Note: After July 12, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support SQL Server 2012 or earlier
Performance
- While there is no SQL Server limit related to user threshold, using an edition of SQL higher than Express (which will require a paid license from Microsoft) should be taken into consideration for firms with 15 or more concurrent users.
- Additionally, larger firms will benefit from the full versions of SQL Server because of the enhanced features and management tools that aren't available with SQL Express.
- Some of these features include enhanced synchronization and terminal server clustering.
- Some of these tools include SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Profiler and SQL Analyzer.
- Another factor to consider is whether your firm uses other applications that require SQL databases.
- For example, if your firm already uses Accounting CS on a full version of SQL Server, then it could be advantageous to use SQL Server for FileCabinet CS since the licenses were already purchased for SQL Server and Accounting CS.
Product-specific considerations
Accounting CS & Workpapers CS
While we find that SQL Express is suitable for Accounting CS and Workpapers CS, please keep in mind that the type of data typically stored in an engagement/workpapers environment causes databases to grow rather quickly and could result in a need for a full (paid) version of SQL Server.
Supported versions of SQL Server:
- SQL 2019 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2017 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2016 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2014 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2012 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
Note: After July 12, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support SQL Server 2012 or earlier
Note: For performance reasons, SQL Server Express is not recommended for Accounting CS with Firm-Hosted Client Access.
Practice CS
The average database size for Practice CS ranges from 100MB to 2GB, though in isolated instances, firms have had larger databases. In most cases, as long as best practices are being followed to ensure optimal performance, SQL Express will be sufficient to use with Practice CS.
Supported versions of SQL Server:
- SQL 2019 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2017 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2016 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2014 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2012 (Standard, Enterprise or Business edition)
Note: After July 12, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support SQL Server 2012 or earlier
FileCabinet CS
Although the database limit for MS SQL Server Express is 10GB, FileCabinet CS is structured such that up to 100GB of data can be supported with the Express edition.
Supported versions of SQL Server:
- SQL 2019 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2017 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2016 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2014 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
- SQL 2012 (Standard or Enterprise edition)
Note: After July 12, 2022, Microsoft will no longer support SQL Server 2012 or earlier
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