I just got this tidbit of information from a friend who talked to Ed Katibah (lead Program Manager for SQL Spatial).
Spatial datatype, methods and indexes will be supported equally on all SQL Server editions (Express, Workgroup, Standard and Enterprise) at no extra charge. That means anyone who wants to use the SQL Server 2008 [...]
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Spatial Will Be Supported on Free Express Versions
November 20th, 2007 · 42 Comments · ArcSDE, ESRI, Microsoft, OpenLayers, SQL Server, Virtual Earth
Tags:ArcSDE·ESRI·Microsoft·OpenLayers·sde·spatial·sql server 2008·Virtual Earth
