What client and ArcSDE geodatabases for SQL Server Express versions are compatible?
You always connect directly to geodatabases on database server; there is no ArcSDE service used for these types of geodatabases.
The following table shows which versions of ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS for Server Workgroup are compatible with which geodatabase releases:
Client release | Geodatabase release |
|---|---|
10 | 10, 9.3.x, 9.2 |
10.1 | 10.1, 10, 9.3.x |
It is important to note that it is the release of the connecting client that determines the version of the geodatabase that is created. If you have a mix of client releases at your organization, there is the potential to have different release geodatabases on the same database server.
The following scenarios are possible when using mixed client releases with database servers:
- A 10 client can create a 10 geodatabase on a database server that is licensed for 9.3.x.
- A 10.1 client can create a 10.1 geodatabase on a database server that is licensed for 10 or 9.3.x.
- There is the potential for later release clients to upgrade the geodatabases created by earlier-release clients. That may or may not be acceptable for your workflow—you need to decide the rules your users must follow in regard to this functionality. As always, users should create a backup of the geodatabase before upgrading it.
See Compatibility when connecting directly from ArcGIS clients to SQL Server for general rules on interoperable connections to ArcSDE geodatabases. When reading this topic, keep in mind that you cannot use an ArcSDE service to connect to geodatabases on a database server.
You can check the Database Properties dialog box to see the release of a specific geodatabase. The Upgrade Status section on the General tab indicates the major and minor releases of the geodatabase. (Service pack and patch levels are not shown.)