Microsoft Pads 64-bit Support in SQL Server

Microsoft has released its second Community Technology
Preview (CTP) for SQL Server 2005, adding greater performance and 64-bit
support for SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services and SQL Server 2005
Integration Services.

Deep in its testing phase, SQL Server 2005 already has 64-bit support for
the database engine. But the second CTP rounds out support for the current,
red-hot trend of supporting 64-way systems.

Analysis and integration services were launched
on SQL Server 2005 in September to help boost the product’s business
intelligence tools.

CTPs are unofficial beta tests that Microsoft has begun offering this year
for its Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005 and Virtual Server 2005. Their
purpose is to help users test the deepening levels of functionality the
Redmond, Wash., software giant is adding to its next-generation software
products.

The idea is that the actual betas will be less bug-prone and much more
advanced than run-of-the-mill beta tests. Microsoft is betting heavily on
products like SQL Server 2005, which competes against fellow mature
databases from IBM and Oracle . Having a
clean beta is an important step along the path to its finished database
product.

Microsoft issued
its first CTP in October.

“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 a statement.

Microsoft has also issued a technical preview of SQL Server 2005 Express
Manager, a free database management that automates database support and
administration, making it easier for users. The tool manages SQL Server
2000, SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) and SQL Server 2005
Developer and Express Edition databases.

SQL Server 2005 is in its second beta, with hundreds of thousands of users
testing it. The finished product is due in late 2005.