When should I upgrade from SQL Server Express?

You should consider upgrading a store from SQL Server Express to a paid edition of SQL Server, such as Standard, when:

• The store's database approaches - or has reached - the 10 GB size limit.

• The store requires a more powerful processor (CPU) to handle the volume of transactions from the store's POS lanes or the demands of back office tasks in Store Manager or Central Manager (such as loading item lists, managing inventory, generating reports, etc).

If the store is using SQL Server Express, a best practice is to document the size of the store database at the time of the initial RMH implementation and on an annual basis after that. (You can discover the size of the store's database by creating a backup of the database using SQL Server.)

If a store's database approaches - or has reached - the 10 GB size limit for SQL Server Express, you will need to purge or archive unused data from the store's database if you want to continue using SQL Server Express.

Similarly, you should monitor hardware resource usage by SQL Server Express over time and document whether the store is consistently getting close to the memory or processor limits. If resource usage peaks during the store's operating hours, this can result in slower POS performance which can negatively impact the shopping experience of the store's customers.

By tracking database growth and resource usage over time, you can anticipate when the store may need to upgrade from SQL Server Express to a paid edition of SQL Server. The data you collect will also help you initiate a discussion about database size and resource limits with the store's owner(s) and present a business case for upgrading to SQL Server (Standard).