Microsoft Corporation announced Monday that its next-generation version of SQL Server, code-named "Shiloh," will be named SQL Server 2000 when it is released in early 2000. SQL Server 2000, which will take advantage of Windows 2000 specific features, is an update to the award-winning SQL Server 7.0, which shipped in January. The product is currently beta testing at over 750 companies worldwide.
SQL Server 2000 is an integral component of Windows DNA 2000, Microsoft's development platform for distributed applications that rely on Windows 2000. A distributed application typically consists of three parts, or tiers: a client (Web browser or other application), server-based logic (a server component written in a variety of languages, such as Visual Basic or Visual C++), and a data layer (SQL Server database) where information is stored. "Windows DNA 2000 is the essential platform for enabling customers to seize opportunities offered by the next wave of Internet commerce, the Business Internet," says Tod Nielsen, the vice president of marketing in Microsoft's developer group. "The ability to easily and efficiently share data, components, business processes and applications over the Internet is central to what Windows DNA 2000 delivers. SQL Server 2000, with its deep integration with Windows 2000 and the rest of the Windows DNA 2000 platform, will offer the fastest time to market and be the most flexible and manageable database for building the Business Internet."
SQL Server 2000, like SQL Server 7.0, will ship in two editions, Standard and Enterprise. The Enterprise edition offers a variety of high-end features, such as 32-processor support, four-node fail-over clustering support, and the ability to utilize up to 64 GB of RAM. This version of SQL Server requires Windows 2000 Advanced Server. SQL Server 2000 will integrate into the Windows 2000 Active Directory, giving administrators a central location for configuration and maintenance. And SQL Server 2000 will register database objects directly into Active Directory, giving users an easy and consistent way to access their data
