SQL Server 2008 delayed

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 28 Jan 2008 at 17:47

Microsoft has delayed the release of SQL Server 2008 until the third quarter.

SQL Server 2008 was initially slated for release in the second quarter of the year, launching alongside Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio, but Microsoft has now admitted that isn't going to happen.

"Our goal is to deliver the highest quality product possible and we simply want to use the time to meet the high bar that you, our customers, expect," says a posting on the company blog, which coins a new term for a product delay - "roadmap clarification".

Microsoft will now unveil a release candidate in the second quarter of 2008 and final release to manufacturing in the third quarter.

Despite the delay, the company is still claiming it will meet earlier projections of releasing SQL Server 2008 within 24-36 months of SQL Server 2005.

The delay follows that of Windows Server 2008, which was pushed back to February after being promised for release by the end of 2007.

However, rumours continue to circulate that Microsoft is considering pushing Windows 7 forward a year, amid widespread dissatisfaction with Vista.