SQL Server switch to MySQL/PostgreSQL for startup?

I just checked out the licensing for SQL Server and well...i can't afford it since im funding this project myself. I have been tinkering with MySQL and PostgreSQL a bit the past few weeks and at this point I can't really decide which to go with. MySQL has a large user base and lots of people using it so finding out how to do various items will not be to hard o find.

I will be using ASP.NET with this project.

Anyone have experience goin开发者_如何学Cg from SQL Server to either of these databases? Is one stronger than the other? Thoughts?

I would go with PostgreSQL. It has more features in common and gives you a broader set of use cases you can easily support and like SQL Server, it is sort of a development platform for modelling your data (but IMO is better in that regard).

However you may find this helpful as it is what I have written on the subject: http://ledgersmbdev.blogspot.com/2012/09/or-modelling-interlude-postgresql-vs.html

Also check your data provider tools (Ado.net, EF-support) for these database systems first. It makes no sense paying that saved money for a 3rd party provider because the 'official' ones lacks basic support.

How comes you can not afford it?

I mean, it is just 100 USD for like three years for a startup. Maximum ;)

Or did you not do your work properly?

Licensing for you can be:

• Free (SQL Express, but ok - 4gb CAN be a limit).
• Around 20 USD per month per processor (Web edition, SPLA, no upstart cost - the ONLY valid license for service providers)
• Around 100 USD for 3 years under the bizspark program for startups.