SQL SERVER RELEASE DATES?

[osjohnm]

Hi

Does anybody know of of a site on the net where I can find out the official product release dates of different versions of SQL Server? I have tried to find this info on the Microsoft website but so far I have had no luck.

Perhaps someone in the forum might know off hand?
I'm just trying to find out how long SQL Server has been around and how often Microsoft release new versions and the time between release dates.

Thanks

John

 

[JayKusch]

here is a brief paragraph that should help you get started:


story of SQL Server
In 1988, Microsoft released its first version of SQL Server. It was designed for the OS/2 platform and was developed jointly by Microsoft and Sybase. During the early 1990s, Microsoft began to develop a new version of SQL Server for the NT platform. While it was under development, Microsoft decided that SQL Server should be tightly coupled with the NT operating system. In 1992, Microsoft assumed core responsibility for the future of SQL Server for NT. In 1993, Windows NT 3.1 and SQL Server 4.2 for NT were released. Microsoft's philosophy of combining a high-performance database with an easy-to-use interface proved to be very successful. Microsoft quickly became the second most popular vendor of high-end relational database software. In 1994, Microsoft and Sybase formally ended their partnership. In 1995, Microsoft released version 6.0 of SQL Server. This release was a major rewrite of SQL Server's core technology. Version 6.0 substantially improved performance, provided built-in replication, and delivered centralized administration. In 1996, Microsoft released version 6.5 of SQL Server. This version brought significant enhancements to the existing technology and provided several new features. In 1997, Microsoft released version 6.5 Enterprise Edition. In 1998, Microsoft released version 7.0 of SQL Server, which was a complete rewrite of the database engine. In 2000, Microsoft released SQL Server 2000. SQL Server version 2000 is Microsoft's most significant release of SQL Server to date.
Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[JayKusch]

here is a more condensed version ...


1987
An agreement is reached between Microsoft and Sybase, Inc., to license the rights to the Sybase product

1988
Microsoft and Ashton-Tate announce the first version of Microsoft SQL Server, a relational database server software product for Local Area Networks (LANs).

1990
SQL Server v1.1 ships to customers

1992
Release of SQL Server 4.2, a 16-bit version based on joint development between Microsoft and Sybase, Inc. Microsoft also makes the decision this year to focus development of SQL Server exclusively on Windows NT and stay away from Unix operating systems. In October, a beta version of SQL Server for NT ships.

1994
Early in the year sees the end of joint development between Microsoft and Sybase. Sybase SQL Server system 10 released later that year while Microsoft releases v6.0 early in 1995

1996
SQL Server 6.5 released to offer built-in support for Internet applications, improved distributed management tools, and a new locking architecture called dynamic locking

1998
Microsoft launches SQL Server 7.0 introducing new features and improvements based on a totally redesigned architecture. This is the first release in which all legacy code from Sybase days is removed.

2000
Microsoft releases SQL Server 2000, providing increased server functionality, more support for Internet applications (including XML), and enhancements to graphical tools
Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[osjohnm]

Thanks, that was what I wanted to know.