SQL Server 2005 version questions

Do I NEED Enterprise Edition?

[mattglet]

I'm having a hard time determining which version of SQL Server 2005 is suitable for my site, Standard or Enterprise? There's a $20k difference, so it's kind of important ;) What are the main stats I should be using to determine my needs?

I know I haven't provided any information about my current situation (not really sure what's relevant yet), so fire away and I'll answer.

[aspdaddy]

There's a $20k difference

Doesn't that make the decision for you :)

This link compares the different editions
[microsoft.com...]

[mattglet]

Thanks, I've already been over that page a few times. I'm merely a developer, not a DBA though ;)

From those columns, are any of them "no brainers" that should help me make a decision?

[syber]

It is extremely unlikely that you would need the Enterprise edition. Start with the Standard edition, you can always upgrade later, if needed.l

[aspdaddy]

If you think need the enterprise then you should probably making a decision between SQL and Oracle.

I would say >4 processors and >3Gb RAM is what most people make the decision on. Everything else is just turned off to keep the enterprise edition marketable.

[mattglet]

It is extremely unlikely

In your opinion, what would make it "likely"?

[syber]

Since the Standard edition of SQL Server 2005 now includes many features that used to be exclusive to the Enterprise edition (such as high availability with database clustering and integrated 64-bit support), the only reasons I know of to go to the Enterprise edition would be to be able to have more than 4 processors or to do advanced data mining on tetrabytes of data. Also realize that you pay per processor.