Microsoft released the first Community Technology Preview (CTP) of SQL Server 2008, code-named Katmai, at TechEd last week. Yes, yes, I know. Some of you actually have real jobs with real servers and might want to continue reading about SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2000, and perhaps even SQL Server 7.0 from time to time. But talking head pundits like me just love to discuss the latest and greatest tools coming down the pike, so bear with me. I promise to stay relevant by talking about existing technology, but it's fun to dream about what we'll have within the next 18 months or so, isn't it?   read more »