Microsoft has revealed advances to the data platform in order to optimize data management. The innovations introduced in the SQL Server and Visual Studio were highlighted by Paul Flessner, senior vice president of Data and Storage Platforms at the 2006 Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) Community Summit. In presenting the priorities for the data platform of the Redmond Company, Flessner emphasized the focus on dynamic application environments.

In this context, Microsoft is already delivering SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition Release Candidate (RC) and will also make available Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals, taking the time and location factors out of the data management process and introducing automation and continuous availability.

"With just 12 months on the market, we've been humbled by the industry momentum for SQL Server 2005. Customer and independent software vendor adoption of our data platform has resulted in more than 30 percent year-over-year revenue growth in the last quarter alone," Flessner said. "The innovation, tools and guidance we're announcing today are designed to help customers as they continue to build the next generation of business solutions on the SQL Server platform."

SQL Server 2005 SP2 community technology preview (CTP) features data compression capabilities, management optimization and support for Vista and Office 2007 and is also available for download. Microsoft additionally informs that Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals will be released to manufacturing on Nov. 30, 2006.