Microsoft Releasing First SQL Server ‘08 Service Pack
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Many SQL Server 2000 and 2005 shops have been waiting for the pack before upgrading to the 2008 edition, as it contains all the cumulative updates and fixes issued since SQL Server 2008 was released to manufacturing in August, resulting in an overall more stable application.
Service Pack 1 (SP1) also makes it easier to deploy SQL Server 2008. A feature called Slipstream allows users to install the database and service pack at once, easing the process of loading the software onto hundreds or thousands of servers, said Fausto Ibarra, director of product management.
There isn’t much in the way of new features in SP1, but that is a deliberate reflection of Microsoft’s strategy to put out initial releases that are feature-complete, with packs only used for fixes, he said. “We got feedback from customers that they wanted more predictability, service packs that they could deploy without worrying about application compatibility.”
Should there be a compatibility problem, users have the ability to uninstall the service pack, he said.
While Microsoft is hoping the service pack’s release will entice more SQL 2000 and 2005 users to upgrade, the company claims SQL 2008 has been downloaded more than 3 million times already.
Some Microsoft customers, such as the financial services company Raymond James, haven’t bothered to wait for SP1.
Raymond James is using SQL Server 2008 to power its BI (business intelligence) platform, said Todd Daniell, manager of the company’s BI group.
The platform is being used by about 7,000 workers, from back-office employees to financial advisors at Raymond James’ many locations around the country, he said.
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