Microsoft previews major new editions of popular database and development platform

SQL Server 2005 is Microsoft's next-generation data management and analysis software that has been designed to deliver increased scalability, availability, and security to enterprise data and analytical applications while making them easier to create, deploy, and manage. The latest version of Microsoft's popular database, SQL Server 2005 builds on the strengths of SQL Server 2000, to provide an integrated information management solution for organizations of any size.

The new addition to the SQL Server range will include many new and improved capabilities to help make organizations and IT staff more productive. Building on the flexible approach delivered with SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 will support implementations ranging from multi-terabyte data warehouses to mobile devices running Microsoft SQL Server Windows CE Edition (SQL Server CE).

Among the key features of SQL Server 2005 are Database Mirroring for enhanced accessibility, SQL Server Management Studio a new integrated suite of management tools, Data Partitioning, Replication Enhancements for database distribution, native support for XML, and real time analytics with Analysis Services.

For software developers, Microsoft is also showing Visual Studio 2005, the latest version of Microsoft's powerful development package. Visual Studio 2005 continues to build on the success of Visual Studio .NET 2003, with its goal of providing the best environment and language for creating applications quickly. A recent survey of businesses carried out by Jupiter Research found that 72% of technology managers rated Microsoft products as the best for interoperability, and the new release builds on that strength.

The next release of Microsoft Visual Studio has been significantly improved for Visual Basic developers by adding innovative language constructs, new compiler features, dramatically enhanced productivity and an improved debugging experience. Visual Studio 2005 includes several productivity enhancements including IntelliSense code snippets, Windows Forms designer updates, IntelliSense filtering, debugger data tips, Exception Assistant, and more. In language innovations, the 2005 release of Visual Studio includes generics, unsigned types, operator overloading, and many other additions.

"SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 are very important products that both demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to innovation and our commitment to our customers. We have listened to what customers have told us they need from our solutions, and incorporated these requirements, along with advanced new features and functions, to create two new solutions that set the standard in business computing and software development," said Haider Salloum, Marketing Manager, Microsoft South Gulf.