waffle

(See: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Roadmap Clarification.)

The past few months have been an amazing time for the SQL Server team as we gear up for the start of the global launch wave on February 27.

Put your boots on.

We see it as a critical step forward for our data platform and the foundation of our broader vision for business intelligence. Based on what we are hearing from customers, as well as the results of the latest benchmarks, it seems the industry agrees.

I am high as a kite.

Not surprisingly, one of the top areas of focus for us is always to deliver a high quality product, and in a very predictable manner. This is vital for our customers and partners – which is why we’ve frequently discussed our goal of releasing SQL Server 2008 within 24-36 months after SQL Server 2005.

Not surprisingly, releasing SQL Server 2008 within weeks after its launch event is vital for our customers and partners. We are on track to cash in on our investment of carefully planned use of ridiculously formulated statements to seemingly communicate actual facts openly while promising nothing.

We are on track to reach this goal.

Where by “goal”, we mean the new goal, not the old goal. Not that the new goal wasn’t the old goal all along.

Microsoft is excited to deliver a feature complete CTP during the Heroes Happen Here launch wave and a release candidate (RC) in Q2 calendar year 2008, with final Release to manufacturing (RTM) of SQL Server 2008 expected in Q3.

Microsoft is excited to finally rename its “Release to manufacturing” releases to “feature complete CTP” releases, and to actually work a few months beyond that towards stability for a change. We’ll let you know how it goes. But don’t let that dissuade you from using the CTP - after all, Heroes Happen Here, not in Q3 calendar year 2008.

Our goal is to deliver the highest quality product possible and we simply want to use the time to meet the high bar that you, our customers, expect.

Our goal is to ensure that the successful high quality Vista marketing and planning genius is still with the company and we simply want to take this opportunity to remind you, our customers, that we’re staying the course.

This does not in any way change our plans for the February 27 launch

Up is down. Black is white.

and we look forward to seeing many of you in Los Angeles and other events around the world.

Please do not bring rocks.