According to my data, SQL Server usage has grown 58% since last year in South Florida.  WOW!  If you are a database administrator who is taking the time to learn SQL Server 2005, then you are making a good investment in your future - at least in South Florida.  This skill is definitely growing in demand!

I'm amazed at how many of my customers are taking advantage of the SQL Server 2005 migration promotion - SQL Server Enterprise licenses are HALF PRICE.  It seems like they were all waiting around for SQL Server 2005 to ship, and now that it has they are jumping on with the same zealousness that they did with buying hurricane shutters last season (trust me... that's very zealous).

For those that like to know what the fine print says, here are the three 'catches' to the program:

  • This is for the "License" portion only - you must buy Software Assurance at your regular (probably volume discounted) price.
    • Want more info on all the licensing mumbo-jumbo? Click here
    • And why exactly might you want to buy Software Assurance?  One word: Katmai
  • You must be migrating your data from a qualified competing database to Microsoft SQL Server 2005.  All the usual suspects are valid - if you don't see yours on the list, just ask.
  • This discount is for Enterprise edition only.  Standard edition is discounted 'only' at 25%.