Microsoft Launches Updates for SQL Server 2005

Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) announced the availability of the second Community Technology Preview (CTP) for Microsoft® SQL Server (TM) 2005 and the technical preview availability of SQL Server 2005 Express Manager, a new, free database management tool.

"We're encouraged by the success of the CTP program for SQL Server 2005. The response has been impressive, and we are excited to be able to offer another update to our customers today," said Paul Flessner, senior vice president for SQL Server at Microsoft.

In addition, Microsoft unveiled new customers that chose SQL Server over the competition including DPF Data Services Group, Grand Expeditions Inc., Greater Vancouver Regional District and Manulife Financial Corp. to increase operational efficiency and maximize their return on information technology (IT) investments.

"We have not had one second of downtime in the full year and a half since we made the switch to Microsoft SQL Server 2000," said Art Helmstetter, director of technology at DPF Data.

The second SQL Server 2005 CTP is now available to all MSDN® and Betaplace subscribers. A CTP is an interim build that provides the community with the ability to test and experiment with new features as they are added to SQL Server 2005.

Also available today is the technical preview of the SQL Server 2005 Express Manager. Designed to be easy to use, the SQL Server 2005 Express Manager provides features to simplify, automate and reduce the complexity of database support and administration.

Built on top of the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0., SQL Server 2005 Express Manager can be used to manage SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) and SQL Server 2005 Developer and Express Edition databases on local and remote computers.

"Over a five-year period we will save approximately $4 million (Canadian) in our hardware and software expenditures," said Bill Laskey, director of the Information Services Group at Manulife Financial Canadian Pension Operations.

Microsoft SQL Server, part of the Windows Server System, is the complete database and analysis offering for rapidly delivering the next generation of scalable e-commerce, line-of-business and business intelligence solutions.

Microsoft Windows Server System is integrated server software providing the infrastructure for IT operations, application development, integration and information work.

Built on the Windows Server operating system and designed with Common Engineering Criteria, Windows Server System is focused on making it easier for IT professionals to connect and manage their IT environments.