Mailbag: SQL Server Here But Not
Readers chime in on the
RTM
of SQL Server 2008...and why, exactly, it's taking so long to get to customers:
It might be taking so long because it relies on VS 2008 SP1.
-Daniel
You can download from MSDN five different versions of SQL 2008 RTM which
I think are pre-pidded to be non-eval/dev type installations (or you can choose
the eval install which expires after 180 days, I think). This download typically
attract developers first wanting to test things out. However, if you try to
install this on a box that already has Visual Studio 2008 installed you can
run into some problems until they release Visual Studio 2008 SP1 (the current
beta SP1 doesn't seem to help avoid the problem that prevents installation).
In my book, this is not ready for primetime, since you have to wait several
days to get a patch. I would have wanted MS to delay the SQL 2008 release
until VS 2008 SP1 is ready to help me avoid all the installation issues it
presents. Hopefully, SQL 2008 + VS 2008 SP1 patch in a few days will help
restore my confidence.
-Robert
And a few of you try to shed some light into Microsoft acronyms:
I believe an RTM to Microsoft is basically the same as "Gone Gold"
is to game developers and manufcaturers. That's how I take it and I believe
that's how others take it, as well.
-Justin
Microsoft "releasing to manufacturing" means sending a master,
making DVDs, blah, blah. There is also a RTW (Release to Web) process that
requires all of the internal stuff (URLs, GUIDs for the bits, validation of
the bits, security, Web content, etc.). This starts as soon as the master
is created for the manufacturers and takes some time. This is why there is
a lag. As a benefit to Volume License customers, they get it first.
-Grant
One reader explains why Linux has no place in her office...as much as she wants
it to:
According to our head IT guy, SAP only integrates with Microsoft Excel.
So if you use SAP, you have to use Excel. Which means you have to run Mac
or Win OS. We are an international org and we run desktops on Micro$oft (some
of our servers are Linux).
I'd love to use Linux and Open Office, but that tail is not going to wag the
dog.
-Lynn
Rich throws in his votes for best
and worst OS:
Worst: DOS 4.0/Windows ME. Best: DOS 6.2/Windows XP.
-Rich
And because today is Patch Tuesday, it's only fitting that readers opine about
their favorite thing in the world:
Patches -- more fun than a root canal. Although manageable to a large
extent, my biggest complaint is having to restart servers on a constant basis.
Servers have become so mission-critical in recent years that a reboot becomes
a PITA experience, even for a smaller shop such as mine. With all the advances
made in recent times, is there no one that can figure out how the patches
can be applied on the fly and not require reboots?
Then again, the better solution would be to develop a secure OS in the
first place.
-Scott
Someday, Microsoft will release patches that don't require a reboot, but
I don't expect that in my lifetime!
-Rusty
For Patch Tuesday bulletins, maybe Microsoft could adopt the Deptartment
of Homeland Security's methodology of color-coding severity of risk.
-Anonymous
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment below or send an e-mail to [email protected].
And don't forget to check in tomorrow for more reader letters.
Posted by Doug Barney on August 12, 2008