Aren Cambre's Praxis Research

My database choice has not been without consternation.

So far I've been using MySql, and I lean towards sticking with it. A few reasons:

• Even though SQL Server Express 2008 R2 is free and now has a 10GB data size limit, it still has significant limitations (to steer you into the paid version), and I don't know how those will affect me as the project plays out.
• Even though my data may have multidimensional aspects, and even though SQL Server has powerful analytics and OLAP services, I think I can handle this fine with R (the statistical analysis language), C#, and MySql.
• MySql's Visual Studio integration and .Net Framework compatibility is really good. It even supports .Net Framework 4's Entity Framework ORM. I believe that SQL Server still has superior integration and compatibility, but I don't think those enhancements are useful to me.
• I have plenty of opportunities to use SQL Server in my Microsoft-centric work environment. I want an opportunity to learn MySql more deeply.
• MySql may have better compatibility with the tools that come with R, although R does have an ODBC plugin...
• If I need to move the database to school servers, MySql will probably be an easier sale.
• Better ecosystem of free tools with MySql (important when you're on a shoestring budget!).
• Ultimately, I can convert my data to SQL Server if required.