SQL Server 2008 Status Update

I was certainly confused when I read four different press releases (Safe, Manifold, SpatialPoint, AWhere) noting support for the new version of Microsoft’s SQL Server. I figured that meant there’d be a public beta or some announcement from Microsoft.

We contacted Microsoft and learned that CTP5 (the first public beta of SQL Server 2008) with support for spatial is not out yet. It’s expected in the next two weeks. Redmond Channel Partner Online notes that, too:

The next preview of SQL Server 2008 with new support for spatial data types and a new Resource Governor feature is slated to hit in a week or two, according to Microsoft.

Also of note:

Integration with Microsoft’s Virtual Earth will be delivered via a separate SDK with the next CTP, Ajenstat said. At TechEd in Barcelona, the company will trot out a list of partners for its location-application push including ESRI, Spatial point, Space Software, and SWSoft.

Info also at InformationWeek.