Feb 18, 2011 16:11 GMT  ·  By

Although it’s already hard at work putting together version 4.0 of the JDBC Driver for SQL Server, Microsoft has just made available for download an update to v3.0. A fresh release of JDBC Driver 3.0 for SQL Server went live on the Microsoft Download Center on February 17th, 2010, adding a small twist to the Redmond company’s existent Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver.

The change, clearly visible in the driver’s label, involves the expansion of support to cover Microsoft’s Cloud data platform.

Developers can now download the new Microsoft JDBC Driver 3.0 for SQL Server and SQL Azure.

“The SQL Server JDBC Driver 3.0 download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge, and provides access to SQL Azure, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000 from any Java application, application server, or Java-enabled applet.

“This is 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,” the software giant revealed.

There are two packages available for download as well as the accompanying licensing agreement. Devs should be aware that by simply downloading the files they automatically agree to the license, so it might be a good idea to read the terms.

“This release of the JDBC Driver is JDBC 4.0 compliant and runs on the Java Development Kit (JDK) version 5.0 or later. It has been tested against major application servers including IBM WebSphere, and SAP NetWeaver,” the company adds.

In the second half of January 2011, Microsoft offered early adopters a taste of the successor of JDBC Driver 3.0 for SQL Server.

The Community Technology Preview (CTP) of JDBC Driver 4.0 for SQL Server continues to be available to testers.

Microsoft JDBC Driver 3.0 for SQL Server and SQL Azure is available for download here.