What Is SQL Server 2005?

SQL Server 2005 is a comprehensive database software platform providing enterprise-class data management and integrated business intelligence (BI) tools. The SQL Server 2005 database engine provides more secure, reliable storage for a relational database format or XML. By supporting both a relational database format and XML, the SQL Server 2005 database engine provides the flexibility necessary to support the way you work. It also enables you to build and manage highly available, well-performing database software applications that you and your people can use to take your business to the next level.

The SQL Server 2005 data engine lies at the core of this enterprise data management solution. In addition to providing support for relational databases or XML, SQL Server 2005 combines the best in analysis, reporting, integration, and notification. This enables your team to build and deploy cost-effective BI solutions with which they can drive data into every corner of your business through scorecards, dashboards, Web services, and mobile devices.

Close integration with Microsoft Visual Studio, the Microsoft Office System, and a suite of new development tools, including the Business Intelligence Development Studio, sets SQL Server 2005 apart. Whether you are a developer, database administrator, information worker, or decision maker, SQL Server 2005 provides innovative solutions that help you gain more value from your data—whether stored in a relational database or XML data format.

The following diagram illustrates the core components in SQL Server 2005, including BI tools, management tools, and support for relational databases. This diagram also shows how SQL Server 2005 is a key part of the Windows Server System integrating with the Microsoft Windows platform—including the Microsoft Office System and Visual Studio—to offer solutions that deliver data to every corner of your organization.

Microsoft has listened to your feedback, researched the industry, challenged Microsoft Research teams around the world, and thought creatively to deliver SQL Server 2005, which introduces hundreds of new and improved features, including support for relational databases and XML. These features will help to advance your business in three key areas:

• Enterprise Data Management. SQL Server 2005 delivers a more reliable, secure, and productive data platform for line-of-business and analytical applications. This version of SQL Server is the largest version of SQL Server ever, as well as the most dependable and secure version. And by providing support for relational databases and XML, SQL Server 2005 can accommodate your organization’s needs.
 
• Developer Productivity. SQL Server 2005 provides an end-to-end development environment that includes many new technologies that empower developers and significantly increase their productivity.
 
• Business Intelligence. The comprehensive analytical, integration, and data migration capabilities of SQL Server 2005 enable companies to extend the value of their existing applications, regardless of the underlying platform. BI solutions built on SQL Server 2005 put critical, timely information in the hands of all your people, empowering them to make better decisions faster.