March 22, 2012 News Thursday: New SQL Server Interoperability Tools, Customer Spotlights, and more Server and Tools News…

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by STB Blogger

New tools to support interoperability with SQL Server 2012

Microsoft has introduced a variety of tools that allow consistent data access to SQL Server 2012 across multiple platforms. These allow developers to build secure, highly available and high-performance applications for SQL Server in .NET, C/C++, Java and PHP, both on-premises and in the cloud.

For more information on these tools and how to get them, visit the SQL Server Team blog!

Sumitomo Rubber Industries cuts costs by half, moving from Oracle to Microsoft

Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber Industries, operator of 16 companies (including Goodyear Dunlop), recently turned to SQL Server in order to update the company’s mission-critical infrastructure. In order to achieve goals included in SRI’s five- and ten-year business plan, executives knew they needed an infrastructure that could help facilitate global expansion, cut costs and increase efficiency.  Based on mission-critical performance and affordability, SRI decided to switch to the Microsoft platform with SQL Server 2008 R2.

By migrating, SRI will reduce its licensing costs by $1 million, and through virtualization, reduce hardware costs by 30 percent. Additionally, the company will reduce its hardware footprint by 50 percent. The new unified infrastructure will allow for increased innovation across the board, as well as improving data insight and data integrity.

For more information about how Sumitomo Rubber is using SQL Server, read the full case study.

Microsoft partners join launch of SQL Server 2012

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced the launch of SQL Server 2012 with customers, partners, and the expansive SQL Server community. The partner community came out particularly strong, announcing a variety of solutions and services for SQL Server 2012 customers. From support for new SQL Server 2012 features to services that facilitate an easier transition, launch partners are providing valuable resources for customers looking to get the most out of Microsoft’s new technology. Partner news includes:

  • EMC announced new EMC Proven Solutions and Consulting Services to facilitate a smooth migration to SQL Server 2012
  • NEC announced that its Express5800 server series will support SQL Server 2012
  • Panorama Necto BI Suite announced its support for SQL Server 2012, currently available for beta testing
  • DMTI Spatial announced a location hub for Microsoft SQL Server Data Quality Services
  • Tagetik announced that its Tagetik 4.0 software will incorporate SQL Server 2012 BI tools
  • Predixion released a predictive analytics solution built on SQL Server 2012 and PowerPivot
  • Scalability Experts announced a new SQL Server 2012 Database Upgrade Tool for application compatibility testing
  • Infogroup announced that SQL Server 2012 customers would be able to access its Data Axle, including data connection tool Infoconnect, through the Windows Azure Marketplace
  • QLogic, Temenos, X-IO Technologies and SQL Server 2012 set a benchmark record for real-world banking transactions
  • Tribold announced its Enterprise Product Management software will now support SQL Server 2012

For more details on all of the news our partners announced, please visit the SQL Server Virtual Press Kit.

Movideo undertakes a large scale Java transition to Windows Azure

Movideo, a global online video platform, has announced it has chosen to transition from Java to Windows Azure. Created by Australian media business, MCM Entertainment Group, Movideo is the only end-to-end SaaS online video platform business based in the Asia Pacific region. 

According to research by Accustream, the online video market is expected to grow from US$4.4B in 2011 to over US$10B by the end of 2014. As Movideo works to take full advantage of the booming global online video market, the move to Windows Azure will help to drive business growth across Asia Pacific and beyond. 

Windows Azure was selected in part because it offers a platform, set of tools and the technology for Movideo to build upon over time, while lowering its development costs.

To learn more about how Movideo is betting on Windows Azure, you can read the full release on Microsoft News Center.

Windows Server “8” Beta Scale-Out File Server for SQL Server 2012 – Step-by-step Installation

Jose Barreto, Principal Program Manager with the File Server Foundation team, walks through the process for deploying SQL Server 2012 using a Windows Server “8” Beta Scale-Out File Server Cluster. Follow this step-by-step guide to experience many key features in the Windows Server “8” Beta, including Hyper-V, Networking, Active Directory Domain Services, and PowerShell. 

Read the full blog post here.