Microsoft's delayed SQL
Server 2008 has inched closer to daylight, with the
company's first release candidate (RC) code.
SQL Server 2008 RC 0 has been made available in three
editions - the full database, Express and Express Advanced.
Also released for testing is the SQL Server 2008 Feature
Pack, consisting of installation packages, with 15 new
components.
Calling RC 0 a "milestone", server and tools chief Bob
Muglia told Microsoft's TechEd in Orlando, Florida, that the
company is "very close" to shipping its delayed database. "It's
in great shape," he said.
Microsoft was originally due to launch SQL Server 2008 at the
end of last year. That was pushed back to February 27, with
launch timed to coincide with
Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008. In January, the
release was again pushed back to the third quarter.®