Microsoft Corp is shipping a new version of its SQL Server relational database for Windows NT, which incorporates programmable electronic mail extensions for integrating transaction-based applications into a corporate-wide messaging architecture. The new version is also said to broaden support for operating systems including Banyan Systems Inc Vines and TCP/IP networks, and brings new management tools said to automate database transfer between servers. The new version, 4.21, is available immediately for iAPX-86 and Alpha AXP and R4X00 RISC-based hardware systems. The new electronic mail capabilities are implemented using Microsoft’s Messaging Application Programming Interface, MAPI, and enable database queries to be sent automatically as electronic mail messages to other applications, electronic mail messages to be posted to key personnel when significant database events occur, and administrators to be automatically notified when maintenance operations have been completed. Microsoft says that when used with Banyan Vines, SQL Server is now automatically registered as a StreetTalk addressable network service, enabling administrators to view it in a way consistent with other Vines services. Additionally, Microsoft adds, this functionality will be further enhanced through Banyan’s planned support for MAPI in its Intelligent Messaging network service. Also supported in the new release are client connections from TCP/IP networks supporting the Microsoft Windows Sockets interface. The final enhancements are the SQL Transfer Manager copy management tool, said to automate the transfer of databases between servers, and also claimed to enable for push-button migration of databases from Sybase SQL Server environments. Prices are to range from F$3,000 for 10 users or 25 connections, up to $15,000 for unlimited users on iAPX-86-based systems, and $20,000 for unlimited users in RISC-based systems.
