Microsoft releases SQL Server 2008

Microsoft said on Wednesday that it has finished work on SQL Server 2008, the latest version of its database software.

The software maker in a statement said it has reached the "release to manufacturing" stage, meaning that it has finalized the code for the software.

Although its release was delayed from its initial target, Microsoft said it was able to meet its goal of having a new version within 24 to 36 months from the release of SQL Server 2005.

SQL Server 2008 comes in a number of editions, ranging from the free SQL Server 2008 Express to SQL Server 2008 Enterprise. Other editions include standard, work group, developer, Web, and compact, which runs on both PCs and Windows Mobile devices.

Microsoft VP Ted Kummert, making good on a pledge to dye his hair orange if the engineering team got SQL Server 2008 out by the company's revised deadline. He's holding the team's mock-up of what his hair might look like.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Pricing is comparable to what Microsoft charged for the prior version, SQL Server 2005. One edition, the Web version, is new. Microsoft Vice President Ted Kummert said in a conference call that hosting customers had complained of not having a version that met their needs, in terms of features and pricing, and that the Web edition was an attempt to meet those needs.

"We nailed it, and that just feels so good," said Dan Jones, a member of the product's engineering team. "This is such a great day. The sun is shining in Redmond."

The release is important for Microsoft, as the database product has been a standout in the company's financial results for many quarters, helping the company gain ground against rivals.

Kummert declined to give a specific target in either units or dollars of what it hopes the release will mean, but he said the company hopes to continue the growth it has seen with the prior version of the database software.

"We expect SQL Server 2008 to continue the growth trajectory," Kummert said. "We are focused on winning with customers of all sizes."

The downside of having the announcement via teleconference was, there was no way to see Kummert's hair, which was dyed bright orange. Kummert had promised the that if the engineering team met its deadlines, he would sport the new 'do.

[MMC Racing]

People often forget how strong the server business is for Microsoft. SQL, Exchange, SharePoint, etc are all pretty strong products - if they can only get the desktop back on track.....

[miranda_psi]

MS SQL server strong? I take it you never noticed the huge lack of features (mainly in the sql side - it use SQL92, which is extremely limited compared to later standards of SQL (and all other major sql databases use these))

[rapier1]

Strong as in the number of companies using it and its growth in terms of sales.

[Penguinisto]

Actually, MSSQL is only strong with customers who are already locked-in to MSFT-only solutions. Those folks who have heterogeneous and/or cross-platform solutions are either using Oracle or MySQL.

Oracle has the enterprise-level strength in this field, and a feature list that puts MSSQL's best efforts to shame. MySQL handily handles the lesser tasks without the monster price tag and the resource-hungry demands that MSSQL presents.

[swrobel]

So roughly how long until we can expect it...?

[Philstera]

So its been released to manufacturing great how about when we can expect to find it in the sales channel.

Once again another half baked blog by Ina with only part of the story.

[Philstera]

PS: heres some real news re SQL 2008 from MS
SQL Server 2008 is now available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers and will be available for evaluation download on Aug. 7, 2008. SQL Server 2008 Express and SQL Server Compact editions are available for free download today at http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver. As previously announced, pricing for SQL Server will not increase with SQL Server 2008. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/sqlserver.

[benjaminstraight]

Bugs?