SQL Server 2008 to be Released Months After Launch

Microsoft is taking a new approach to product launches it seems, announcing it would release SQL Server 2008 to manufacturing in the second quarter of 2008, months after the product is supposed to officially "launch" alongside Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 on February 27.

Microsoft announced the seemingly innovative strategy of not finishing a product until after its launch at its Worldwide Partner Conference in Denver this week. Customers who are being told to prepare to capitalize on the new tools coming in February may be surprised to find out Microsoft itself won't be prepared. However, the company has always left an opened ended 2008 date for the release of the new SQL Server, code-named "Katmai."