Tony Rogerson's ramblings on SQL Server

I was lucky enough to receive an invite to the official UK launch of Windows 2008, VS 2008 and SQL 2008 yesterday in London. Some very good case studies demo'd from a number of folk doing some really great things - to name but two EasyJet and Cambridge University - EasyJet demo'd a very impressive proof of concept for their website which I really do hope launches later this year - a fantastic bringing together of SilverLight, SQL spatial stuff, Ajax and Virtual Earth.

But my absolute favourite because I can relate to it thus is the power and flexibility of SQL Server was the demo from Cambrige University - basically they've got all the plant information Darwin's teacher collected in a database, apparently he labelled every sample ever taken with date and location - they've used the spatial stuff in SQL Server 2008 to determine the answer to a number of questions - I think the most impressive bit was they could trace the guy's route on a holiday he took up into Scotland - crazy; oh - and they did the app and data load/analysis in less that 5 days.

There seems to be a real drive for Business Intelligence, but it's not the BI I've come to know as BI; the entry bar is a lot lower now - rather than BI it's more a PI (Personal Intelligence) because it's at that level; giving me the user the tools to do my own analysis.

Around 5.30pm we hooked up via a live Satellite link to the launch with Steve Ballmer; like Simon says I've absolutely no idea what that first guy was talking about [or on] but Steve came out fighting - a very inspirational speaker that never fails to impress and motivate.

Exciting times! [again]

Looking forward to SQL Server 2008 real launch later this year; from my perspective I'll be working on getting some dates booked so we can do some real launch events August onwards.

Now, back to work and the reality I've got to finish my presentation for SQL Bits.

Tony.