The best replacement for sql server 2005 is oracle.

The best alternatives to sql server 2005 are rated as following:
★★★★★  oracle
★★★★  mysql
★★★  2000
★★★  access
★★  sql server 2000
★★  sql server 2008
★  sql server express
★  sql server 2005 express
★  sql server 2008 r2
★  oracle 10g
★  db2
★  oracle 9i
  mysql 5
  oracle 11g

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Speaking about sql server 2005, one probably shouldn't forget about clause.

Other search terms related to sql server 2005 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ clause
★ keyword
data mining
rowlock
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