Installation SQL Server Express Edition

An installed Microsoft SQL Server 2016 SP2 or above is prerequisite for the Corporate Planner Suite application server (CP-Server). The recommended SQL Server edition depends on the Corporate Planner Suite variant (classic/small business, advanced or enterprise/advanced+) and on the application of the software (database size, structure size, calculations within the structure, number of users, etc.). Please refer to the CP-Suite Technical Manual for details.

The installation of the free Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Express Edition is described in these notes. Further details are available at Microsoft.com.

1. Downloading SQL Server Express

Download and execute the Microsoft SQL Server Express installer, via one of the links below:

1.1 Installation Type

Since CP-Server uses features that are not enabled by default in the Basic installation, select the Custom installation type.

1.2 Installation Language

Select the language and the target location. Click Install to download the installation files to the specified directory.

2. SQL Server Installation Center

When the installation files have been downloaded, the SQL Server Installation Center opens. To install a new SQL Server, select the "New SQL Server stand-alone installation…" option. This launches the installation wizard that will guide you through the installation process.

2.1 Licensing Terms

Accept the licensing terms and click Next.

2.2 Microsoft Updates

An up-to-date operating system patch status is prerequisite for the CP-Suite to function smoothly. To ensure that your Microsoft SQL Server has the latest security updates installed, enable Microsoft Update.

An online search for the latest available updates will then be carried out to ensure that the most recent Microsoft SQL Server Express version is installed. Please accept any updates that are found.

2.3 Install Rules

Any potential installation problems will be investigated and, where possible, fixed automatically. Click Next.

2.4 Feature Selection

On the Feature Selection page, you need only select Database Engine Services. If you wish, you can specify custom directories for the shared components in the fields at the bottom of the page. Then click Next.

2.5 Instance Configuration

Enter a unique name for your Microsoft SQL Server instance (maximum length: 16 characters) or select the Default instance. Your SQL Server will be accessible under the specified instance name.

You will need to provide this instance name during the installation of the CP-Suite application server (CP-Server).

2.6 Server Configuration

If you are installing the Microsoft SQL Server on the same machine as the CP-Suite application server (CP-Server), the default service account settings will be sufficient. Click Next.

2.7 Database Engine Configuration

On the Server Configuration tab, select "Mixed Mode" as the authentication mode and provide a strong password (with upper and lower-case letters, numerals and special characters) for the SQL Server system administrator account.

If the password is found to be weak, it will be rejected, and you will need to specify a different password.

Proceed from the Server Configuration tab to the Data Directories tab. For optimum performance, store the database and the user database log in different partitions.

Click Next to install the Microsoft SQL Server.

2.8 Installation and Restart

After installation, a summary will be displayed. You may be instructed to restart the computer to complete the installation process.

3. SQL Server Management Studio

In the SQL Server Installation Center, select the Install SQL Server Management Tools option. This opens a website from which you can download and install SQL Server Management Studio.

SQL Server Management Studio is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure. It provides tools for configuring, monitoring and managing your SQL Server instances. You can use SQL Server Management Studio for querying, developing and administering your databases and data warehouses.

SQL Server Management Studio is free!