SQL Server 2008 release, and other Application Platform news

So, after a summertime break in blog postings, I'm back.

The big news from last week is that SQL Server 2008 has been released to manufacturing (RTM'd).  You can go to the main SQL Server page to download an evaulation copy, and it should be available any minute on MVLS for those of you with access to the download site!

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

If you want to know why you should care about 2008, then the new features (like data encryption, backup compression, the resource governor, etc.) are covered here: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/overview.aspx

We're hosting SQL 2008 Application Compatibility labs in our local Waltham MTC on September 29-30, and October 2-3 - if you're interested, please let me know and I will pass along an official invitation.

Also, last week marked the release of Visual Studio 2008 SP1, and the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, head on over here for the details and the download: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/products/cc533447.aspx

Lastly, if you visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/ , then you can see our application platform in action.  The videos are running under our Silverlight technology - great way to catch up with all of the Olympic highlights (especially for those of us that can't stay up too late to watch the big events!).