Microsoft has released its much-awaited SQL Server 2008 (known popularly as “Katmai”) CTP version that is designed to meet the Data Platform vision of the Microsoft. The SQL Server 2008 capabilities deliver on the four key areas of the data platform vision.
- Mission-Critical Platform –SQL Server 2008 Declarative management Framework (DMF) will allow you to manage your SQL Server configuration across many databases and
- servers by defining policy rules that are automatically applied, monitored and enforced. SQL Server 2008 also protects valuable information in existing applications and disconnected devices. In addition, SQL Server 2008 delivers predictable query performance with an optimized platform.
- Dynamic Development – SQL Server 2008 along with the .NET Framework enables developers to build the next generation of applications. Developers are more productive because they work with business entities instead of tables and columns. They can build applications that enable users to take their data with them and synchronize their data with back-end servers.
- Beyond Relational Data – SQL Server 2008 supports developers to consume any type of data, from XML to documents and build applications that incorporate location awareness that can solve existing globalization problems.
- Pervasive Business Insight – SQL Server 2008 provides a scalable infrastructure that can manage reports and analysis of any size or complexity while at the same time empowering users because of its close integration with the Microsoft Office System. This enables IT to drive business intelligence throughout the organization. SQL Server 2008 makes great strides in data warehousing, enabling users to consolidate data marts in an enterprise data warehouse.
To know more about Microsoft Data Platform Vision and how SQL Server 2008 meets the needs of the next generation of data-driven applications please find the below white paper from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/whitepapers/sql2008Overview.mspx
Microsoft also allows the free download of the CTP version for those registered with the SQL Server 2008 CTP program.
Some of the new features include
- new datatype for storing Geometrical (Spatial) information
- declare and define the default values " DECLARE @i int 0"
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