>
> Is there anything else I can add to strengthen the argument?
>
don't forget the enterprise manager is not packaged with the msde.
However by far the most important consideration is being free from
licensing constraints.
btw ms did tinker with msde licensing a bit (notice it is no longer
downloadable without registration).
SQL server is a fine database however it is controlled by someone else.
Database servers control your company's most precious asset, its data,
and at the end of the day sql server is owned by somebody else and
basically rented by you.
Merlin