Using SqlCE 2.0 from alternative .NET development environments

[David Clegg]

Is it feasible to access SqlCE 2.0 using the classes in
System.Data.SqlServerCe.dll from development environments other than
Visual Studio.NET 2003? I know its technically possible to do so, so
I'm more interested in the legal aspects.

From what I understand, this assembly is installed as part of the
VS.NET install, and not as part of the .NET CF re-distributable
install. Is there any other way to obtain it other than having a VS.NET
license, and what are the redistribution rules surrounding it? For
example, if a developer with a valid VS.NET license created an
application (using either VS.NET or another CF.NET compatible
language), are they free to distribute this assembly?

--
Cheers,
David Clegg
(e-mail address removed)

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[Peter Foot [MVP]]

You are right in that VS2003 is the only way currently to get the
System.Data.SqlServerCe.dll assembly. If you have VS2003 Professional you
can redistribute the cab with your applications so long as you observe the
licensing issues with Sql Server CE - Free for standalone use but you must
have appropriate client licenses if you'll be connecting it to a SQL 2000
back-end (Depending on whether you have per-CPU or per-user licensing for
your SQL Server).
For .NETCF v2.0 the Compact Framework assemblies will be included in the
standalone .NET SDK, but I don't know if this includes the Sql Mobile stuff
or just the .NETCF v2.0 runtimes themselves. You'll also be able to use
VS2005 Standard which is significantly cheaper than the Professional edition
which is the current entry-point for .NETCF development.

Peter

 

[David Clegg]

If you have VS2003 Professional you can redistribute the cab with
your applications so long as you observe the licensing issues with
Sql Server CE

Thanks. I figured that would be OK.

I also assume it would *not* be OK for users of an app that has
redistributed the CAB as part of its install, to redistribute this CAB
(or individual components) themselves unless they have a valid VS.NET
license. So for example if I developed an app to demonstrate using
SqlCe in a CF app, all they could do is marvel at my good work, and
would not be able to develop and deploy apps themselves using SqlCe
unless they have VS.NET. Is this a correct assumption?

--
Cheers,
David Clegg
(e-mail address removed)

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