MySQL on Windows Server 2003

[IdentityCrisis]

Question,

Is it a good idea to use MySQL on Windows Server 2003 as a good alternate than Microsoft's SQL Server?

I've never used MySQL before, could someone tell me how close it is to SQL?

Thanks.

(I might have some installation questions later )

IC

[raf]

MsServer has more features (stored procedures, datashaping, full subquery support, ... ) but is much more expensive and does not perform better then mySQL for most frequently run querys (like select-querys). mySQL is more a less free.

If you wan't both a powerfull, featurepacked industrial strength and completely free db, then take a look at PostGreSQL.
If you only need a fast, stable, db for a normal-load productionenvironment, then mySQL will probably do.

(If you don't gonna run ASP's, then i'd concider dropping The Bill and switching to Apache on Linux or Unix)