Microsoft SQL Server Database Snapshots
Remarks
A database snapshot is a read-only, static view of a SQL Server database which is transactionally consistent with the source database as of the moment of the snapshot's creation.
A database snapshot always resides on the same server instance as its source database. As the source database is updated, the database snapshot is updated.
A snapshot differs from a backup since the process of snapshot creation is instantaneous and the snapshot occupies space only as changes in the source database are applied. A backup on the other hand stores a full copy of the data as on the time of backup creation.
Additionally, a snapshot gives an instant read only copy of the database, while a backup needs to be restored to a server in order to be readable (and once restored can be written to as well)
Database snapshots are only available in the Enterprise and Developer editions.
