Microsoft Corp. is peeling back the covers of its highly anticipated SQL Server 2005 Beta 2 database this week to reveal enhancements such as support for 64-bit x86 platforms, as well as improved security and management tools. The Redmond, Wash., company will roll out SQL Server 2005 Beta 2, code-named Yukon, for download to about 300,000 MSDN Universal and Professional subscribers. Yukon Beta 2 includes support for Advanced Micro Devices Inc."s Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture and Intel Corp."s 32-bit chips with 64-bit extensions, said Microsoft officials.
AMD"s Direct Connect Architecture improves memory and bandwidth by directly connecting memory and I/O to the CPU and by directly connecting CPUs to one another. Yukon beta tester Tim Kelly, technology director at credit card processor TSys Inc., of Columbus, Ga., said native support for the Opteron could enable him to manipulate a 2TB to 3TB database with a 60- to 90-second response time—versus 5 minutes.