http://www.symantec.com/docs/DOC5565
The release notes include the below statement:
The Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager includes an embedded database.
■ 32-bit systems: You can also use Microsoft SQL Server 2000 with Service Pack 4 or
later, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with Service Pack 2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, or
Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
■ 64-bit systems: You can also use Microsoft SQL Server 2000 with Service Pack 3 or
later, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 with Service Pack 2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, or
Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
Microsoft SQL Server is optional.