Recommended SQL Server version

CAREWare should always work with the newest version of Microsoft SQL Server and the latest patch, so upgrading to the latest SQL Server version and patch is recommended. Though CAREWare can run on older versions that are still supported by MicroSoft, we recommend running CAREWare on newer versions of SQL Server for security and support reasons.

Some CAREWare installations are managed by IT departments that handle SQL Server for the organization. If that is the case, staff for the organization should get guidance from the IT department staff. If the organization lacks an IT department that can help with acquiring SQL Server, there are two choices: buying SQL Server or installing the free SQL Express.

Choose an edition

As a rule of thumb, SQL Express should be fine for small to medium-sized providers with 10 or fewer users because it limits databases to 10 GB and runs on only one processor. For larger CAREWare installations, the full version of SQL Server should be installed.

Download and licensing information

To obtain the latest version of SQL Express, start here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-downloads

Some nonprofit providers have reported that they obtained the full version of SQL Server with user licenses at a deep discount through TechSoup, but larger institutions may not qualify. You can get the details here:

http://www.techsoup.org/

You can also get more information on the full version of SQL Server at this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server

Patches and support

The latest patch for SQL Server can be downloaded here.

Some versions of SQL Server are no longer updated or supported by Microsoft. Click here to review the lifecycle of SQL Server by version.

Related References