Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Announcements

Microsoft's announcement on SQL 2008.

On June 4th at TechEd 2007 in Orlando, Microsoft made a couple of key SQL Server announcements. Specifically:
· The name for the next release of SQL Server™: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, formerly code-named SQL Server “Katmai,” and the delivery of the first SQL Server 2008 Community Technology Preview (CTP).
· The acquisition of Dundas Data Visualization Inc.’s Data Visualization products, which provide rich charting within SQL Server Reporting Services, enabling users to create information-rich reports and applications.

The first public CTP of Katmai will be available for download from: https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/content/content.aspx?ContentID=5395.
Warning: Do not attempt to download the binaries in this section until you have first registered into the SQL Server 2008 CTP program. Not doing so will result in an error “Page not found”. Registering with Connect or signing into Connect does not automatically register you into SQL Server 2008 CTP program. You must in addition register by clicking here

Please take also a view on all the following new available information sources about the highlights of the June CTP:

SQL Server 2008 Overview: On-demand webcast New!Listen to Dave Campbell's June 4th presentation at TechEd regarding SQL Server 2008 (200 level). All other SQL Server related webcasts (live and on-demand) at TechEd can be found here.

SQL Server 2008 Product Overview: Whitepaper New!Learn about the Microsoft Data Platform Vision and how SQL Server 2008 meets the needs of the next generation of data-driven applications.

Four Pillars of SQL Server 2008 (Jun 04, 2007)Learn more about the four technology themes upon which SQL Server 2008 is built.

SQL Server 2008 June CTP highlights (Jun 04, 2007)Learn more about specific improvements in the June CTP that align with the four pillars.

MSDN SQL Server ForumsHave questions? Discuss SQL Server 2008 with our developers, MVPs, and the entire SQL Server community.

SQL Server Connect FeedbackWe want to hear from you! Tell us about any bugs you find or difficulties you encounter, and what you want to see in SQL Server 2008 for this and future releases. We appreciate your feedback.

Happy Reading,

Regards, ~Neville (http://nevilledubash.blogspot.com/)