Microsoft SQL Server 2008 delivers on Microsoft’s Data Platform vision by helping your organization manage any data, any place, any time. It enables you to store data from structured, semi-structured, and unstructured documents, such as images and music, directly within the database. SQL Server 2008 delivers a rich set of integrated services that enable you to do more with your data such as query, search, synchronize, report, and analyze. Your data can be stored and accessed in your largest servers within the data center all the way down to desktops and mobile devices, enabling you to have control over your data no matter where it is stored.

SQL Server 2008 enables you to consume your data within custom applications developed using Microsoft .NET and Visual Studio and within your service-oriented architecture (SOA) and business process through Microsoft BizTalk Server while information workers can access data directly in the tools they use every day, such as the 2007 Microsoft Office system. SQL Server 2008 delivers a trusted, productive, and intelligent data platform for all your data needs.

SQL Server 2008 New Features:

Trusted
SQL Server provides the highest levels of security, reliability, and scalability for your business-critical applications.

- Protect valuable information
- Ensure business continuity
- Enable predictable response

Productive
To take advantage of new opportunities in today's fast-moving business world, companies need the ability to create and deploy data-driven solutions quickly. SQL Server 2008 reduces time and cost of management and development of applications.

- Manage by policies
- Simplify application development
- Store any information

Intelligent
SQL Server 2008 provides a comprehensive platform, delivering intelligence where your users want it.

- Integrate any data
- Deliver relevant information
- Drive actionable insights

For further information, contact Licensing on 0118 9898 240 or email licensing@bluesolutions.co.uk

Are the SQL Server 2008 licences 32 bit or 64 bit?

The server licence is the same regardless of the platform it is intended for. After purchasing the licence you are able to chose between the 32 bit or 64 bit media.

Do I need to purchase specific 64 bit CALs?

With the exception of Workgroup CALs, all SQL Server 2008 CALs can be used against any licensed SQL Server 2008 server, regardless of the platform. For example, a 32 bit SQL CAL can be used against a server running SQL Server Enterprise edition (64 bit). Likewise, a 64 bit SQL CAL can be used against a server licensed for Workgroup edition (32 bit). Workgroup CALs can only be used against SQL Server Workgroup edition.

Why Upgrade to SQL Server 2008?

With the release of the most recent version of SQL Server, Microsoft has delivered a Trusted, Productive and Intelligent Enterprise Data Platform. There are enhancements and new capabilities engineered into SQL Server 2008 to enable your applications to run better and reduce the amount of time you need to spend managing them. If you have been running existing applications on SQL Server 2000 or 2005, you will find a set of exciting new capabilities to improve your applications and reduce support needs within a familiar management interface. Many of these new features can provide immediate benefits without the need to make application changes.

Key reasons to upgrade to SQL Server 2008
• Experience the benefits right away - Significant enhancements ranging from Data and Backup compression to query performance and enhanced database mirroring are available without the need to modify your existing applications.
• Enhanced security and auditing – Get data encryption and database auditing capabilities within existing applications.
• Improved system management capabilities - Features like policy based server management and new tools such as Performance Data Collection help you effectively manage the growth of your data.
• Performance Enhancements – There have been many performance enhancements made throughout the technology stack, including enhancements within Analysis Services, Reporting Services and Integration Services. For example Unisys and Microsoft set a new ETL performance record by loading one terabyte of data in less than 30 minutes using SQL Server 2008 Integration Services. Read about additional performance records.
• Predictable System Response – New Features such as query governor and data compression along with general scalability enhancements provide scalable solutions that are more reliable for very large enterprise systems.
• Developer productivity - Tools like Entity Framework and LINQ, and new date/time, FILESTREAM and spatial datatypes provide powerful and easy to use application development enhancements.
• Enhanced Business Intelligence capabilities – additional reporting capabilities integrated with Microsoft Office applications and a new report designer application allows the creation of enterprise reports without the need for Developer Studio.
• Application Compatibility & ease of Migration - There are upgrade tools available from Microsoft to help manage your upgrade from prior versions. Compatibility has been maintained with the majority of functionality which should enable most applications to upgrade seamlessly. Learn more about all the system changes from the prior version, and get started with infrastructure assessment and planning for upgrade to SQL Server 2008.
• Mainstream support – With the latest version of SQL Server you can benefit from a long term and current support path. As of April 2008 SQL Server 2000 has moved off Mainstream support to an extended support path.
• Consistent pricing and support – Microsoft continues its pricing policies of SQL Server 2005 with some additional improvements. In addition, by participating in Microsoft’s Software Assurance program you are eligible for product upgrades, support and other benefits.

For system requirements please go to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx

SQL Server 2008 Web site www.microsoft.com/sql/2008
Resources about SQL Server 2008 features, pricing and editions

SQL Server 2008 TechCenter http://technet.microsoft.com/sqlserver
Resources for IT Professionals who deploy, manage, and administer SQL Server

SQL Server 2008 Developer Center http://msdn2.microsoft.com/sqlserver
Resources for developers who develop applications and software that work with SQL Server