What Is the SQL Server 2008 CTP-5?

SQL Server 2008 CTP-5 is the first public beta of SQL Server 2008. SQL Server is a relational database management system used to design large databases. SQL Server databases allow multiple users to connect from multiple locations.

Encryption

This version of SQL Server 2008 allows the administrator to encrypt the entire database, log files and data files without having to make application changes. Encryption provides more data security when users access the databases.

Backup

CTP-5 reduces cost by providing backup compression. Often, administrators keep disk backups online, which is time consuming and expensive. Less storage is needed by compressing the backups, and backups run a lot faster by minimizing disk calls.

Geo-Spatial

Geo-Spatial support is available in this version. "Geography" and "Geometry" data types are new in CTP-5 and provide support for location-aware applications. These data types are used to store location data such as coordinates.

References

• Directions Magazine: Microsoft Readies SQL Server CTP-5
• SQL Trainer: Business Intelligence and Agile Development: SQL Server 2008 "Katmai" CTP 5 New Features