Microsoft Preps Beta For SQL Server 2000 Update

Microsoft

This, the first service pack in nearly a year, will roll together fixes in the first two service packs and focus on security and "serviceability" improvements, said Sheryl Tullis, product manager.

It will also bring Microsoft's Watson technology into the database for the first time, she noted.

Watson, already part of Office and Windows, is technology that provides near-realtime problem reports and feedback about product glitches to Microsoft support and quality assurance staffs.

During the company's recent three-month security review of its products, important issues were addressed, with "hot fixes" available immediately to customers. Less critical issues waited for the service pack, she said.

In addition to patches and fixes, the company is updating its Books Online documentation, adding more security guidance, she said.

The third service pack is slated to ship in final form by year's end. Service Pack 2 shipped last November.

In other database news, Microsoft is prepping a new beta of 64-bit SQL Server, code-named Liberty, to ship next month as well. This beta will be optimized for use with Intel's 64-bit McKinley processor, Tullis said.

Microsoft has been working on this high-end database--targeted at enterprise use and data mining applications--for more than a year (See related story).