SQL Server 2008's future 'cloudy'
Microsoft began making SQL Server 2008 available to users today, slightly behind schedule but still making good on its goal of releasing an upgrade to its flagship database within three years of shipping the previous version.
The software vendor released the new database to manufacturing and said that MSDN and TechNet subscribers can download the 1GB package immediately. Other users will be able to download evaluation versions of SQL Server 2008 starting tomorrow, according to Microsoft's announcement.
In addition to a raft of added features, SQL Server 2008 includes a new edition aimed at web hosting firms, which Microsoft is more aggressively cultivating in response to the growing demand for hosted and cloud-computing services.