As the Redmond software giant prepares the release of Microsoft SQL Server 2005, formerly codenamed Yukon, ISV partners are scrambling to develop solutions around the platform’s core business intelligence components – Analysis Services, Reporting Services and DTS (Data Transformation Services).
Bill Baker called Microsoft’s BI partner network an extension of [our] BI platform, and pointed to ISVs like ProClarity Corp, Panorama Software Ltd, and OutlookSoft Corp as companies that have cast their technology lot with Microsoft.
Baker said: Their support is testament to the success of our BI platform and we expect this to grow with SQL Server 2005.
Many of Microsoft’s existing ISV partners say they are closely evaluating the new capabilities of SQL Server 2005, paying particular attention to new scalability, performance (partitioning), security, availability (mirroring and back-up) and integration features promised in the release.
Microsoft says the new features mark the first big overhaul for SQL Server in five years.
The only sticking points could be the wait and the cost.
SQL Server 2005 was originally in the first half of this year but is now expected in the summer at the very earliest.
The product will also come with a hiked up price tag – of around 25%, to just under $25,000 per processor. Its predecessor, SQL Server 2000, cost at least $5,000 less. Nevertheless SQL Server 2005 will still underprice its nearest competitors – IBM and Oracle.
