Download JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server CTP

  Just the past week I was telling you of the imminent testing release of version 4.0 of the JDBC Driver for SQL Server.

Developers that need to connect Java applications with Microsoft’s data platform can start testing the next iteration of the Redmond company’s Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) right now.

The first testing Build of JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server is live on the Microsoft Download Center, and of course available free of charge.

The release is offered as a Community Technology Preview, and in this sense, the driver is not yet finalized.

Of course, by downloading and testing the CTP, early adopters will have the chance to influence its development in accordance with their needs.

“Download the Microsoft JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server CTP, a Type 4 JDBC driver that provides database connectivity through the standard JDBC application program interfaces (APIs) available in Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 and above,” Microsoft informed.

Jave developers will be able to notice that the driver is designed to play nice (compliance included) with the Java Development Kit (JDK) version 5.0 or later.

At the same time, JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server CTP is set up to support not only existing releases of SQL Server, but also the next major version of Microsoft’s data platform.

“The Microsoft JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server CTP download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge, and provides access to Microsoft SQL Server code-named 'Denali' CTP, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2005 from any Java application, application server, or Java-enabled applet,” the software giant added.

Amina Saify, Program Manager – SQL Server/JDBC put together a list of changes introduced in version 4.0, illustrative of the evolution of the JDBC Driver for SQL Server:

“This release includes:

- Type-4 Kerberos Integrated Security
o Support for authentication via TGT in cache
o Login configuration file support

- Client side support for SQL Server AlwaysOn Feature for Denali
o Support for multi-subnet failover for AlwaysOn.”

JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server CTP is available for download here.