I have removed the KB article list and some items which I don't think are relevant to small business / ISV partners, however the full info can be found on the blog page too
SQL Server 2008 Product Overview
For organizations to be successful and thrive in today’s world of data, they need a vision that addresses key data trends. The data platform vision of Microsoft helps organizations meet these data explosion needs and the next generation of data-driven applications. Microsoft will continue to invest in and evolve the following key areas to support their data platform vision: mission-critical enterprise data platform, dynamic development, relational data, and business intelligence. Read this paper to learn about the Microsoft Data Platform Vision and how SQL Server 2008 meets the needs of the next generation of data-driven applications.
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/whitepapers/sql2008Overview.mspx
Business Intelligence in SQL Server 2008
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 makes business intelligence (BI) available to everyone through deep integration with Microsoft Office, providing the right tool, to the right user, at the right price. The result is that employees at all levels of an organization can see and help to influence the performance of the business by working with tools that are both easy to use and powerful. Integration with the 2007 Microsoft Office System enables users to view business performance in a way that they understand and which feels comfortable; and the introduction of PerformancePoint Server 2007, helps customers to gain actionable insight into the entire organization so they can monitor, analyze, and plan their businesses, as well as drive alignment, accountability, and actionable insight across the entire organization.
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/whitepapers/sql_2008_bi.mspx
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and Microsoft Data Platform Development
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and the Microsoft data platform provide developers with a comprehensive programming framework in which to create data centric solutions that target mobile devices, desktops, Web servers, and enterprise servers. This data programming environment improves developer productivity by integrating data access and management into the business logic of an application. It provides a comprehensive platform for data access and management from disparate data sources and a scalable solution for data storage and applications.
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/whitepapers/sql_2008_dp.mspx
Online Transaction Processing in SQL Server 2008
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 provides a database platform that is optimized for today’s applications, and that can scale for any size of business. It drives cost-efficiencies by dramatically reducing downtime and enabling dynamic and proactive management that significantly reduces administrative overhead. Finally, SQL Server 2008 provides a highly secure platform that you can trust with your organization’s sensitive, business-critical data.
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/whitepapers/sql_2008_oltp.mspx
SQL Server 2000: Performance Tuning and Optimization Datasheet
This 4-day workshop provides information on SQL 2000 index and page structures, performance troubleshooting tools, memory architecture, programming efficiency, and optimization techniques.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0556317d-66c3-4a6d-a128-4d6f873a28b3&DisplayLang=en
SQL Server 2005: Performance Tuning and Optimization Datasheet
This 4-day delivery provides participants with in-depth technical knowledge on performance tuning and optimization techniques for SQL Server 2005. Performance tools such as SQLdiag and Performance Monitor are covered in detail.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b180e91-34e7-4274-9a4f-78562b926358&DisplayLang=en
SQL Server White Papers: Migration from Oracle or Sybase to Microsoft SQL Server
Guide to Migrating from Oracle to SQL Server 2005
This white paper explores challenges that arise when you migrate from an Oracle 7.3 database or later to SQL Server 2005. It describes the implementation differences of database objects, SQL dialects, and procedural code between the two platforms. The entire migration process using SQL Server Migration Assistant for Oracle (SSMA Oracle) is explained in depth, with a special focus on converting database objects and PL/SQL code.
Guide to Migrating from Sybase ASE to SQL Server 2005
This white paper covers known issues for migrating Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise database to SQL Server 2005. Instructions for handling the differences between the two platforms are included. The paper describes how SQL Server Migration Assistant for Sybase, the best tool for this type of migration, can help resolve various migration issues.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=3f0f2a3f-dff9-49cd-8ea7-581aa7a303a4&DisplayLang=en
Aligning Business and IT for Greater Corporate Agility (through SOA)
For a very long time, IT and Business has communicated. While they may be speaking in the same language, are they speaking in the same "dialect”? In this session, William Tay will share his field experience as well as explore Microsoft's vision for service-oriented architecture:
- what are the best implementation approaches so that instead of being led by the business, IT strategies are driven by business needs
- how Microsoft supports this vision by way of an integrated platform, etc.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=71f2a2ec-9149-41e1-91bb-184a94a25160&DisplayLang=en
Downloads
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver 1.2
In its continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft has released a new Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver with SQL Server 2005. The SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver 1.2 download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge, and provides access to SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 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 J2EE (Java2 Enterprise Edition). This release of the JDBC Driver is JDBC 3.0 compliant and runs on the Java Development Kit (JDK) version 1.4 and higher. It has been tested against all major application servers including BEA WebLogic, IBM WebSphere, JBoss, and Sun.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c47053eb-3b64-4794-950d-81e1ec91c1ba&DisplayLang=en
SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP Community Technology Preview (October 2007)
In its continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft has released a new SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP. The SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP Community Technology Preview (CTP) download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge. The SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP is a PHP 5 extension that allows for the reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts. The extension provides a procedural interface for accessing data in all editions of SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=85f99a70-5df5-4558-991f-8aee8506833c&DisplayLang=en
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TRM contributors this month were Mark Hawkins, Justin Zarb, Gareth Ford