Learn

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 provides a secure and trusted data platform on which to efficiently develop and integrate a broad array of feature-rich solutions to address customers' business imperatives, business intelligence applications, mobile/Web applications, and server consolidation/compliance needs. Some of the new features, such as Resource Governor, help customers consolidate their infrastructure, saving money on hardware, energy, space and staff.

SQL Server 2008 Role-Based Training

We offer learning and readiness resources designed to help you increase your platform knowledge, whatever your role. Choose from learning paths for sales and marketing professionals, technical presales professionals, implementers, developers, and architects.

Why Upgrade?

New features including Transparent Data Encryption and Data Compression in SQL Server 2008 help you address customer needs without any code changes to your application! Same pricing as SQL 2008 & simple licensing makes it compelling for your customers to choose SQL Server 2008!

14 reasons to Upgrade to SQL Server 2008	New Supporting Features
Build a consolidated unified data storage with structured and unstructured data (document files, XML files, digital images)	FileStream XML Geo location data
Regulatory compliance	Audit all actions for greater compliance Enforce organizational wide policies with Policy Based Management Encrypt data without modifying applications, using Transparent Data Encryption
Mobile and embedded device apps support for occasionally connected scenarios	Microsoft Synchronization Services for occasionally connected applications
Significant enhancements for Reporting Service	IIS-agnostic report deployment End User Ad-hoc reporting tool (rewritten for end users with Office look-and-feel) Enhanced report visualizations in the form of new charts and gauges Export Reports to Word and enhanced text enhancements
Scalability enhancement for total database size and concurrent users	Improved restore times and reduce backup volumes with backup compression Partitioned Table Parallelism
Enhanced performance	TPC-E(NEC): Bests the previous record by 70% TPC-E(IBM): 14% performance gain over SQL Server 2005 and Windows Server 2003
Significant improvement of reduced downtime	Clustering offers the resilience piece Stay Always On with hot add CPU and hot add Memory capabilities
Automated management functions, easy administration overhead	Use Resource Governor to proactively control workload prioritization Re-engineered Installation, Setup and Configuration
Powerful developer tools	Performance studio to troubleshoot, tune and monitor SQL Server across the organization
Significant improvement of development productivity	Map data structures to business identities with ADO.Net Entity Framework Language Integrated Query (LINQ) extensions to C # and VB.Net
Strong web apps and Interoperability support	Connectivity to non-Microsoft technologies including XML, JDBC, and PHP
Quick decision-making supporting deeper insight	STAR join queries for faster Data Warehouse queries retrieval
Provide fresher data for data warehouse and data mart - Significant improvement of data population time	Change Data Capture feature to populate data warehouse or data mart with changed data from operational systems

Are you ready to upgrade?

The following Web seminar series discusses different strategies for upgrading applications deployed on SQL Server 2000/SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008.

SQL Server Upgrade (2005 - 2008) Web Seminar Series
SQL Server Upgrade (2000 - 2008) Series

For MySQL Developers

Learn how SQL Server compares to MySQL.

For PHP Developers

The Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP is a PHP 5 extension that allows reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts. The extension provides a procedural interface for accessing data in all editions (including Express) of SQL Server. The API makes use of PHP features, including PHP streams, to read and write large objects. To learn more and participate in discussions, join us at http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlphp/.

SQL Server 2008 Demos

Learn more about SQL Server 2008 from these demos.

SQL Server Partner Evidence

See how organizations like yours are using SQL Server 2008 in their environments.

Build

Build your innovative solutions with powerful products, expert advice, technical support and training, code samples, and access to insight-filled forums.

Get Products for Web Application Development

Using the Web Platform Installer's simple user interface, you can select specific components or install the entire Microsoft Web Platform onto your computer. To help you stay up-to-date with product releases, the Web Platform Installer always contains the most current versions and new additions to the Microsoft Web Platform.

Get SQL Server 2008 Express

SQL Server 2008 Express is a free edition of SQL Server that is ideal for learning and building desktop and small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs.

Looking for a PHP Driver for SQL Server?

The Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP allows PHP developers to access SQL Server databases.

If you would like to know more about all the SQL Server editions and determine which edition works best for you click here.

Get Technical Support

• Technical Forum
  Visit the MSDN SQL Server Technical Forum to submit questions and search across thousands of SQL-specific threads.
• Microsoft SQL Server Development Customer Advisory Team
  Best practices and lessons learned from the most demanding SQL Server implementations in the world.

Get Code Samples

Visit CodePlex to create new open-source SQL Server projects to share with the world, join others who have already started their own projects, or build off existing applications on this site.

Get Training

Check out the ISV Innovation site to find free, on-demand training sessions to help you get up to speed on the powerful new capabilities found in SQL Server 2008.

Test

Get started today!

STEP # 1 – Explore and Innovate with SQL Server 2008

Visit the SQL Server Developer Center and explore the latest features of SQL Server 2008. Learn to develop web applications with our simple to use Developer Kit; or how to enhance your applications with rich visual reports and business insights for your customers with the SQL Server BI Kit.

STEP # 2 – Join the Momentum for SQL Server 2008 – Upgrade/Migrate Today!

Upgrading to SQL Server 2008 has never been easier. Learn about what’s new with SQL Server 2008; review the step-by-step Upgrade Technical Reference Guide; and learn how the SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Assistant (from Scalability Experts) and Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor can simplify your upgrade process.

Learn more about migrating your solution to SQL Server 2008 - SQL Server 2008 delivers exceptional value in Database Management and Business Intelligence causing many customers to choose SQL Server over other database solutions.

STEP # 3 – Don’t Get Left Behind – Get Technical Guidance

The SQL Server Developer Center is ready to help. Make your first stop the SQL Server Setup and Upgrade Forum. This global knowledge base is designed to help you resolve issues quickly providing general setup discussions, upgrade advisor, and Best Practices Analyzer forums.

STEP # 4 – Earn Microsoft Partner Program Points for Passing the SQL Server 2008 Platform Test

The Platform Test for ISV Solutions is one of the key requirements for ISVs looking to join or renew their Certified or Gold Certified partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. Successful completion of the Platform Test enables ISVs to get access to important technical, sales and marketing benefits. For more information, visit the Microsoft Partner Program ISV Competency Benefits and Requirements page.

On a first-come, first-served basis, Microsoft is granting a limited number of Platform Test Vouchers (retail value US$500-650, covering exactly one foundation component and one elective component). Any of the following possible combinations of foundation and elective test components qualify:

• Windows Server 2008 (foundation component) with SQL Server 2008 (elective component)
• Windows Server 2008 (foundation component) with any elective component
• SQL Server 2008 (elective component) with any foundation component

For detailed eligibility requirements visit Lionbridge and learn how to qualify for this limited time offer.

Market

Congratulations! You've built your solution. Now it's time to market it successfully.

In order to redeem free sales and marketing benefits we suggest you join the Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP). Join MSPP by clicking here.

Already an MSPP partner? Here are some ways we can help your sales and marketing efforts:

• Connect to more than 50,000 SQL Server customers with strong Microsoft Go-to-Market support. Profile your solution and your customers will find you on www.sqlserverexperience.com and on the SQL Server home page. To profile your solution, click here.
• Stand out in the marketplace. Differentiate your solutions by leveraging customizable sales and marketing templates. Use the Business Solutions Campaign for ISVs to save time and money on your sales and marketing efforts.
• Did you pass the Works with SQL Server 2008 test? To learn more, click here.

Top Resources

	SQL Server Experience
	SQL Server Home
	SQL Server Upgrade Resources
	SQL Server Migration Resources
	Works with SQL Server 2008 Test Specifications Document
	Works with SQL Server 2008 Waiver Application
	SQL Server 2005