Katmai to Support Spatial Datatypes (Microsoft SQL Server 2008)
Posted by Atanas Entchev at 11/16/2007 10:11 PM and is filed under Technology,Microsoft,Software,Business,ArcGIS,news,ESRI 
“Katmai” is, of course, the codename of the upcoming Microsoft SQL Server 2008. This article in Directions Magazine outlines in detail the enhancements to the CTP-5 release (Community Technology Preview), and specifically the support for spatial datatypes. The All Points Blog adds that support for spatial datatypes will be a "no-cost" item to any licensed user.
I hear that Katmai has about 80% of the functionality of ESRI’s ArcGIS Server. The Directions article doesn’t mention ArcGIS server, so let me ask: What do you think will happen with ArcGIS server? With the release of Katmai will ESRI and Microsoft become competitors, or will they, dare I suggest, eventually merge?
"I hear that Katmai has about 80% of the functionality of ESRI’s ArcGIS Server"
There is so much wrong with that statement. SQL Server is a database, ArcGIS server is a GIS Server. It's like comparing apples and oranges. If anything, ArcGIS Server is going to consume data from SQL Server and serve it.
Are you sure you are not thinking about ArcSDE? SDE is pretty much just an extension making up for the lack of spatial support in the database.
ESRI has already said they are going to fully support the spatial types in MS SQL.
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Though I think it would be unlikely for Microsoft to compete with ESRI in the GIS market I think that if they did the outcome for the end user would be positive. ESRI desperately needs a serious competitor. Though rich in functionality ESRI's software is flawed in many respects, from defects, to performance, to documentation. Let's hope that MS would be willing to take them on.
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Morten:
You are correct. Clarification posted here:
http://blog.entchev.com/2007/12/03/more-on-sql-server-2008.aspx
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I would be more inclined to believe that the Dangermond's would be bought out by Microsoft some day in the future.
Ron
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