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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 enables developers to be more productive and more easily create the next generation of robust database solutions using the powerful SQL Server T-SQL programming language and rich data types that manage virtually any type of data.
Use new and enhanced T-SQL programming features in SQL Server 2008 to create next-generation database applications that support the most demanding end-user requirements.
Leverage the SQL Server 2008 enhanced data type support to manage relational and non-relational data, including precise date and time management, XML data, external documents and files, and new spatial information, using either planar or geodetic representations.
Enhancements in the SQL Server storage engine and data store enable developers to store, manage, and find data efficiently using sparse columns, filtered indexes, and a new, fully integrated Full-Text Search.
T-SQL Enhancements
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Increase the precision of storing and managing DATE and TIME information.
Store semi-structured and sparsely populated sets of data efficiently, using Sparse Columns.
New fully integrated Full-Text Indexes enable high-performance, scalable, and manageable Full-Text Indexing.
Create large User-Defined Types and User-Defined Aggregates greater than 8 KB.
Pass large amounts of data easily to functions or procedures using new Table-Value Parameters.
Perform multiple operations efficiently with the new MERGE command.
Model hierarchical data, such as org charts, or files and folders, using the new HierarchyID data type.
Build powerful location-aware applications, using SQL Server’s new standards-compliant spatial data types and spatial indexing capabilities.
Manage files and documents efficiently with full SQL Server security and transaction support, using the powerful new FILESTREAM data type.
Easily identify dependencies across objects and databases, using New Dependency Management.
Experience faster queries and reporting with Grouping Sets through powerful ANSI standards-compliant extensions to the GROUP BY clause.
Experience efficient, high-performance data access, using new Filtered Indexes for subsets of data.
Visit: SQL Server 2008 DevCenter
Download: SQL Server 2008 CTP (beta)
Reference: Development Resources
