SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition, was previously named SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition during the product development phase. Customers have communicated to Microsoft through the pre-release community technology preview (CTP) program and other channels that this product name may cause potential confusion with other database product names in the industry. Microsoft has taken this feedback seriously and has accordingly changed the official product name.

You may see references to the former name SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition in the CTP and Release Candidate software and documentation. These references will be changed to the actual product name SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition when the product is officially released to market.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SQL Server Compact Edition) is designed for developers who need light weight, in process relational database solution for their applications that can be developed and deployed on desktop as well as on mobile devices. The SQL Server Compact Edition RC1 contains the runtime bits that can be used to develop and deploy applications on desktop only. The RTW of SQL Server Compact Edition will contain the device support for developing and deploying applications on mobile devices.