Comparing BimlExpress and BimlStudio

BimlExpress is Varigence's free Visual Studio add-in, created specifically for working on Biml projects.

BimlStudio is Varigence's full-featured integrated development environment (IDE) for Biml, created to replace Visual Studio.

Feature	BimlExpress	BimlStudio
Relational Databases
Model relational database objects	X	X
Produce DDL for any ANSI SQL compliant RDBMS	X	X
Import relational database objects from Bimlscript code	X	X
Import relational database objects using visual UI		X
Integration Services (SSIS)
Model SSIS Packages	X	X
Generate packages (DTSX files)	X	X
Generate SSIS projects (DTProj, Params, ISPAC files)		X
Import SSIS packages and projects		X
Easier use of Feature Packs & 3rd party Task/Components		X
Analysis Services
Model SSAS Cubes		X
Model SSAS Tabular and PowerPivot		X
Generate SSAS cubes, tabular models, and PowerPivot		X
Import cubes, tabular models, and PowerPivot		X
Scripting
Automate Biml with BimlScript code nuggets	X	X
Customize validation with your own errors and warnings	X	X
Use Transformers to modify objects and inject patterns		X
Organize Transformers and Bimlscripts into reusable Frameworks		X
User Interface
Bimlscript code editor with advanced Intelliprompt	X	X
BimlScript code editor with C# & VB code completion		X
Visual Designers for all Biml objects		X
Live view of objects as you code		X
Automation
Command line compiler		X
MSBuild support		X
API Access from external applications		X
Extensibility
Extend the Biml Language		X
Extend Mist UI		X
Redistribute BimlEngine binaries (OEM)		X
Host Bimlengine binaries in a value-added service (SaaS)		X
Metadata Management
Create reusable models for metadata storage		X
Autogeneration of metadata entry UI based on metadata models		X
Consistent and friendly API for accessing stored metadata		With separate agreement
Plugin model allows storage of metadata anywhere		With separate agreement