Microsoft Details SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition Features And Announces Beta Release Date

New Version of SQL Server Database Offers Fastest Time to Market For Mobile and Embedded Solutions

NEW YORK, April 19, 2000 — Today at the Microsoft® Windows® powered Pocket PC launch, Microsoft Corp. announced that a beta version of SQL Server TM 2000 Windows CE Edition is scheduled to be available to customers for testing on June 30. SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition is upwardly compatible with all other editions of SQL Server and is designed to make it extremely easy for corporations to build and deploy next-generation mobile and embedded solutions.

Enabling a broad range of applications in retail, medicine, trucking, manufacturing, utilities, consumer electronics and the military, SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition supports wireless and Web-based communications, offers industry-leading performance, provides high levels of security, and is designed so that developers can build applications more quickly and more easily than on any competing platform. SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition also supports all Windows CE platforms including Pocket PC, Handheld PC (H/PC) and embedded systems running the Windows CE 2.11 operating system or later.

"The new digital economy challenges companies to distribute information throughout an organization and with customers across the Web," said Marie Huwe, SQL Server group product manager, Microsoft. "To succeed, enterprises must create new mobile applications that can be easily deployed in the hands of everyone from salespeople and shop-floor employees to customers. SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition helps businesses gain a competitive advantage by enabling them to easily use next-generation devices and the Web."

Rapid Application Development for Mobile and Embedded Database Applications

Making the transition to mobile and embedded devices as easy as possible, SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition provides developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) with a programming model that is consistent with all other Windows-based platforms. Developers can quickly and easily build mobile database applications by taking advantage of their existing experience with the Visual Basic® and Visual C++® development systems and by using a consistent programming model based on OLE DB and ActiveX® Data Object (ADO).

Right Size and Right Functionality

SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition provides all the essential relational database functionality required by enterprise developers in a footprint less than 1 MB. It offers two key components: a robust data engine that supports a wide range of data types, 128-bit encryption, referential integrity and upwardly compatible ANSI SQL syntax; and a connectivity module, which consists of a Remote Data Access component that allows easy access to data located on remote SQL Server 6.5, SQL Server 7.0 and SQL Server 2000 databases, and a reliable, scalable bidirectional replication component capable of synchronizing data between productivity appliances and a centralized, SQL Server-based data store. Data can be synchronized over the Web using an HTTP connection through Microsoft Internet Information Services to a SQL Server database located behind a firewall or proxy server. Synchronization also can be performed over wired and wireless LANs and WANs. The communication protocol used by SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition is well-suited for wireless transports - compression reduces the amount of transmitted data, and SSL encryption safeguards sensitive user data.

Windows DNA 2000 and SQL Server

Microsoft Windows DNA is the most comprehensive, integrated platform for building and deploying applications for The Business Internet. The core of Windows DNA, Windows 2000, includes built-in Internet application services that enable developers to focus on adding value to their applications rather than building underlying plumbing. Other key components include SQL Server, the Visual Studio® development system, the COM+ component and programming model, and other application services - all best-of-breed products that utilize the deepest developer talent pool in the industry.

Created by a world-class development team, Microsoft SQL Server is the leading database for the Windows platform and is the reliable, scalable database for rapidly building Web, mobile and embedded solutions with Windows DNA. SQL Server reduces the time required to bring e-commerce, business intelligence (data warehousing) and line-of-business applications to market, while ensuring that these applications have the scalability needed for the most demanding environments.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" ) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic, Visual C++, ActiveX and Visual Studio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For online product information:

Visit the Windows CE Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/ .

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