Dell Helps Customers Manage the Data Explosion with Microsoft SQL Server 2008

* Dell continues its long-standing work with Microsoft on the release to manufacture of Microsoft SQL Server 2008. SQL Server 2008 delivers a complete data platform that is designed to help customers maximize the benefit of the next generation of data-driven applications. Following a successful free beta offering of SQL Server 2008 earlier this year through Maximum ASP, a provider of infrastructure and hosting services for Microsoft solutions, Dell will soon be selling SQL Server 2008 as a worldwide OEM provider via Dell Software and Peripherals and select OEM channels. In addition, the free trial supported by Maximum ASP www.sqlserverbeta.com will remain available to customers for several more months to assist with the adoption and integration of SQL Server 2008.
* “As Microsoft’s largest partner for the last three years and counting, we have worked to help early stage adopters deploy SQL Server 2008 in their environments,” said Rick Becker, vice president, Dell Software & Solutions. “With the release to manufacture of SQL Server 2008 today, we look forward to providing an even broader range of customers with a robust platform for managing their data.”
* SQL Server 2008 delivers on Microsoft’s data platform vision and benefits Dell customers in four primary areas areas:
— Redefining Pervasive Insight
— Mission Critical Platforms for All
— Dynamic Development for Data Management Solutions
— Beyond Relational

“SQL Server 2008 is the best release yet of our mission-critical data platform for running enterprise applications, business intelligence and data warehousing” said Dan Neault, General Manager, SQL Server Marketing at Microsoft Corp. “For this release, we are delighted to have Dell’s proven hardware solutions available for our ever increasing community of mutual mission critical customers. These customers will reap great benefits from our enterprise-level scalability, reliability and performance with a simply outstanding value proposition.”