Microsoft unveils free SQL management tool

Microsoft today unveiled a technical preview of SQL Server 2005 Express Manager, a newly developed free database management tool and the second Community Technology Preview of the SQL Server 2005 database.

In addition to quality and performance enhancements, Microsoft promised that the latest SQL preview code will introduce 64-bit support for SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services and SQL Server 2005 Integration Services on top of the 64-bit support already included for the database engine.

The Express Manager database management tool, also previewed today, is designed to simplify, automate and reduce the complexity of database support and administration.

Built on top of the .Net Framework 2.0, SQL Server 2005 Express Manager can be used to manage SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) and SQL Server 2005 Developer and Express Edition databases on local and remote computers.

Paul Flessner, senior vice president for SQL Server at Microsoft, said: "We are confident that programmes like the Community Technology Preview will help us build a better product and encourage other customers to make the switch to SQL Server."

The second SQL Server 2005 CTP is now available to all MSDN and Betaplace subscribers.

Microsoft's Community Technology Preview scheme is designed to provide interim builds that allow developers to test and experiment with new features as they are added to SQL Server 2005.

SQL Server 2005 Express Manager is available for download from the link below.