I have taught several classes on the new features of SQL Server 2008, made a Web Seminar and written a Whitepaper on the subject. I have also attended the SQL PASS Summit in Seattle where there were many presentations on the latest release. So what are my favorite features of “Katmai”? Let’s take a look…
10. SQL Auditing: the ability to audit at the server, database and table levels. Need an Audit? SQL Server 2008 is your friend
9. Spatial Data Types: Non-relational data types for mapping and GPS style applications. Wimbledon Tennis and SQL? Think Spatial, Man!
8. Change Tracking: the ability to track changes without timestamp columns and triggers. Need a Change? Try Katmai!
7. Intellisense in SQL Server Management Studio: interactive help as you type giving object names and syntax support similar to Visual Studio. Intellisense in SSMS at last
6. Enhanced Database Mirroring: including better reliability and performance with automatic data page repair. Database Mirroring 2008 style
5. SSMS Debug: the ability to debug any Transact-SQL within SSMS using breakpoints etc. SSMS 2008 Debug – very cool…
4. Multi-Server Queries: being able to submit a batch of queries against multiple servers simultaneously. Multi-Server Queries – a nice touch in SQL 2008
3. Policy Based Management: the ability to manage multiple servers from a central set of policies (previously named the Declarative Management Framework). Group Policy for SQL Server 2008 – the Declarative Management Framework (DMF)
2. Filestream Data: being able to store binary large objects out on the file system while still being a transactional and recoverable part of the database. So you want to store movies in a SQL Server database? Go ahead, make my day.
And No. 1: (drum roll please!)
Transparent Database Encryption: The ability to encrypt an entire database without having to change any code in your application adding an additional layer to your data security. Shipper lost another backup tape? No worries in SQL Server 2008
Cheers
Brian
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