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Microsoft Ships 2.0 of SQL Server CE

Microsoft this week put out a second version of the handheld edition of its SQL Server database.

SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition, or SQL Server CE 2.0, is available immediately for download at www.microsoft.com/sql/CE/default.asp.

In Microsoft's view, a core benefit of the SQL Server CE software, both 1.0 and 2.0, is that it presents a unified programming target -- SQL Server -- for database developers across all server and client levels.

Aside from the usual performance enhancement work, Microsoft crammed several new features into the compact database. Its Query analyzer has an improved user interface for object management. A query processor includes new intrinsic functions and parameterized queries. An improved storage engine adds index pulls, upload-only features and support for 249 indexes per table. A connectivity wizard facilitates setup of security and connectivity options for data replication. An on-device query tool allows stored queries and schema viewing on the device.

The download availability of SQL Server CE 2.0 was simultaneous with a private Beta 2 release of the Visual Studio "Everett" developer toolset. The "Everett" version of Visual Studio is supposed to be available around the same time as Windows .NET Server 2003 comes out. The Beta 2 release includes a beta version of the .NET Compact Framework, which is tightly integrated with SQL Server CE 2.0.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.