Well, that's certainly a mouth full.
I’m pleased to say that the SQL Server November CTP with Master Data Services is now available.
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2.aspx
If you’re interested in simply seeing the MDS documentation, you can find it here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee633763(SQL.105).aspx
The branding is in.
MICROSOFT SQL SERVER 2008 R2 MASTER DATA SERVICES, MONTH COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY PREVIEW (MONTH CTP)
Where MONTH is the actual release month.
Hooo! What a mouthful.
It's been a while since my last post so wanted to take some time and update folks on what's happening around Master Data Services.
A little history
To catch everyone up, I thought I'd start by giving a short history of the product and get everyone on the same page.
In June, 2007 Microsoft acquired a company called Stratature. It was a small but well run company that built an analytical master data management solution. At the time, we were looking for a good solution to augment the PerformancePoint offering as well as a way to pull together various master data management capabilities for Office servers such as CRM and SharePoint. The focus was on bringing the master data to the people who understood it best. Who knows the customers, products, vendors, parts and other key business data better than the business users? MOSS (Microsoft Office SharePoint Server) seemed the logical ship vehicle and still makes a lot of sense for a business user perspective. Delivering the master data management stewardship experience throughout the enterprise by placing it in the hands of business users continues to be our strategy, however, after feedback from partners, customers and our field, we believed that the ship vehicle needed to change to better align with the sales motions, field expertise, R&D teams, marketing and underlying technologies. We weighed and considered different options and ultimately decided that SQL Server was a better fit. While delivering the master data experience to the business user continues to be a priority, the "master data" piece of MDM, the "management" piece is also important. What happens in the back end management experience is every bit as important as how the stewardship and governance experience is delivered to the business user. As purveyors of a master data platform, we have to provide both.
Project "Bulldog" was a codename for the overall master data management project leading up to shipping as part of SQL Server. When we acquired Stratature, there were a few minor issues with the product, we were a small team, and the number of customers relative to Microsoft's typical customer base was quite small. We made the difficult decision to remove the product from the market so that the small team could focus on shipping a Microsoft quality product. We shipped a technology preview that was picked up by nearly 200 customers and partners. The technology preview was, essentially, a hygiene build of the Stratature bits with a few libraries removed, some simple modifications to improve the product security, and some bug fixes.
The technology preview ran for over a year and was successful at building interest as well as providing an outlet for customers to use the product for initial evaluation purposes and building proofs of concept solutions. A few, we understand, have gone a little further with the product then we expected.
Throughout this time, we've been busy improving the product on multiple dimensions including performance, flexibility, extensibility, localization and feature/function. To date, master data management solutions have been risky, expensive and difficult to implement. Master data management isn't all about technology. In fact, the technology is really about enabling the processes that lead to authoritative master data. But, the technology is important and we believe that we will make master data management technology truly available to enterprise and mid-market companies both from an implementation and affordability perspective.
What now?
We're now closing in on the first Microsoft release of a master data solution. Master Data Management isn't a household name, but as companies struggle with managing one of their most important assets in a consistent way with ever increasing complexity of IT ecosystems, dynamic business environments and stringent regulations the need for a way to manage key business data is critical. There is a lot of information out there about master data management, the need and the solutions. Unfortunately, much of it is confusing, contradictory and unbounded by reality. The space is maturing however, and you'll begin to see more and more about this important problem and the ways to solve it in the coming years.
Here's what's happening with the product now:
- We're stabilizing and putting the finishing touches on the product for release in SQL Server 2008 R2 CTP3.
- We're finalizing TAP customer selection
- We're working with a number of services partners who are building service lines around MDS
- We're working with a number of ISV partners to build components and integration with MDS
- We're already planning the next release!
Some resources
For those of you unfamiliar with MDM and Microsoft's forthcoming solution, or if you just want to drill down some more, here's a few links to get you started.
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/MDS.aspx - This is the official SQL Server website.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb190163.aspx - A brief introduction Roger Wolter and I wrote.
http://mdmbook.com/ - David Loshin's companion site for his excellent MDM book.
Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.SQLServer.MDS.KirkHaselden
As announced at TechEd earlier this week, Master Data Services will be shipping in SQL Server 2008 R2.
I've blogged on SQL Insiders about it here: http://blogs.technet.com/dataplatforminsider/default.aspx
I'm glad I can be out of the SQL Server closet again and finally say in public, It's good to be back in SQL Server!
As announced at TechEd earlier this week, Master Data Services will be shipping in SQL Server 2008 R2.
I've blogged on SQL Insiders about it here: http://blogs.technet.com/dataplatforminsider/default.aspx
I'm glad I can be out of the SQL Server closet again and finally say in public, "It's good to be back in SQL Server!"
A while back I blogged about the Technology Preview for the Master Data Management product that we released to just about anyone that was interested. That was very early in the project and right after we had acquired the Stratature company. The preview was a success. In fact, we've had great response to it and many customers have actually used the preview edition in pre-production implementations and giving us great reports and feedback. Microsoft is also using the product for several internal implementations. Over all, we're happy with the technology preview and feel it's run it's course.
Now that the team is focused on delivering the next version of the product as well as preparing for the first CTP release and accompanying TAP, we've discontinued the Technology Preview. This will give us more time to focus on delivering a quality release and gives our customers and partners some time to transition to planning around the forthcoming CTP and TAP.
As I mentioned in my last entry, we'll be formally announcing the go to market plans for the master data management product soon. If the number of emails in my inbox is any indication, interest in Microsoft's MDM offering is really heating up. For those that may be wondering if the Stratature product lives on, I can definitely say yes. The core capabilities will be there, the people that came to Microsoft from Stratature are still part of our team and contributing with those that have joined since to deliver the next release.
Folks who wanted to be on the Technology Preview but didn't make the cut off date don't need to wait long as the TAP is around the corner.
Thanks,
Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.SQLServer.KirkHaselden
I've been vacant from blogging for some time. If the comments I've been getting in the blog, email and personally at conferences and in meetings is any indication, it's high time I started back again. Unlike some of the more successful and prolific bloggers out there, or those that aren't so prolific for that matter, I have no aspirations of consistently writing every day. The old blogging mantra "every day a blog entry" is not something I'm going to commit to doing. That way I set myself up for success. This is a lot like my annual new years resolution which I always manage to keep with smashing success which is "I will only make one resolution this year." I like that because I'm guaranteed success the moment I make the resolution. It's an atomic success. By making the resolution I'm successfully keeping it. So, my blogging commitment here is that I won't be consistent. That's something I can commit to not doing.
So, what's happening in my world. True to Microsoft's disclosure policy, I could tell you all but then, the marketing folks would kill me, or worse... What I can tell folks is that the Master Data Management team is alive and thriving. We're doing good work, making progress on deliverables, getting ready to ship. Our plan hasn't changed with respect to timing of the release either. We're still targeting a release for roughly the same time as the next version of Office. That date hasn't been announced of course, so I can't say exactly when that is either, but if the past is prologue, you can take a pretty good guess at when that will be.
Our team has completed new functionality and are now stabilizing the product for a prerelease to be announced during TechEd in May. We will be rolling out a lot of new information and announcing some exciting changes to the Microsoft Master Data product at that time. Folks that are interested should watch the TechEd wires. We're excited about the changes and the benefits we derive from them both from a customer satisfaction perspective as well as a technical, strategic and value perspective.
Well, there you go. I've now succeeded at fulfilling my resolution to inconsistently blog. Hopefully it won't take me another year to get the next post done!
Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.Office.MDS.KirkHaselden
Few people can call their boss their friend. In my case, he was both and more. Bill was a guy that I could talk to about anything. He was my mentor and opened doors for me in ways that I never thought possible. He's leaving Microsoft and I believe Microsoft is the worse for it.
You can read a little about him here:
Bill hired me into the SQL Server team. He was my GM when I was just getting my feet under me as a developer. Later he was there when I needed a formal mentor. He was the one that provided the opportunity for me to begin a new business at Microsoft and supported the effort throughout the initial business plan development through to where we are today, building a brand new product in Office. There aren't a lot of people at Microsoft that get a chance to do something like that.
Thanks Bill and good luck!
Back in November of last year I mentioned that we were shipping the MDM Technology Preview early. Since that time we've had great response to the program. Over 100 customers, partners and Service providers have enlisted in the technology preview. Some of our customers are currently building proof of concept implementations. Every day we get more requests to download the technology preview and these days, most of the requests are from customers. If you're interested, the link above will take you to the previous post that explains how to get involved.
Some have confused this release with a TAP or CTP. It is neither of those. While those programs entail a high touch relationship between Microsoft and the participants, the technology preview is an unsupported release. This means that while customers can ask questions on the Microsoft Connect site forum, there is little dialog between Microsoft and the technology preview customers. It's simply a way for customers to have access to the early bits to help them plan and prepare for the next release.
I've been pretty quiet here lately. Mostly it's because I've been heads down on building the MDM team. I'm glad to say that the team is in high gear now. We're in full on development mode and have made substantial progress towards enhancing and augmenting what will become our offering in the next release of Office as well as long term planning for providing customers with substantial improvements upon what is available in market today.
With yesterday's announcement about the Zoomix acquisition, things are coming together nicely and it should be clear that Microsoft is serious about helping customers solve their master data challenges. We're also serious about building an MDM ecosystem and have been busy about building partnerships with multiple MDM vendors. These discussions are in progress so it wouldn't be appropriate to give details at this point, but if you're in the industry, you'd know these companies. We hope to be able to announce these partnership agreements in the coming months.If you are an ISV and are interested in our free training coming to a location near you, please let me know and I'll send you all the details.
Well, I haven't been active here for some time, but I've been wanting to get back to blogging and this is the perfect opportunity.
While speculation has been in the air for some time, it's actually official now.
Microsoft has provided data quality/cleansing capabilities with the likes of Integration Services fuzzy lookup components, but the Zoomix acquisition brings an overall platform data quality solution at the right level in the Microsoft stack. Naturally, the Microsoft Master Data Management team is excited at the possibilities this presents for our customers and we'll be working with the SQL Server team going forward to integrate the Zoomix and other DQ capabilities into the master data application.
More later.
Last week I had the opportunity to speak to a user group about SQL Server and in particular Integration Services. It was a nice opportunity to clear out the cob webs and talk about one of my favorite topics. https://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=122496
Initially, it wasn't going so well. I've found that the audiences vary for these events drastically. The closer one gets to Redmond, the more up to date the audience is on newer technologies. So, it's good to do a gut check sometimes and find out if what I'm saying is actually making sense to the audience. In this case, I was talking about what's new in SQL Server Integration Services 2008 and Master Data Management. Well, as I started talking about what's new, the audience began to get the glazed look on their faces.
So, I asked some more questions and it became apparent quite clearly why that was. When I asked how many were currently using SSIS, only a few hands went up. But, when I asked how many were using DTS, I believe every person in the room raised their hand. I'd had an off by one version error.
Super, so I switched gears and gave a talk that I've been giving for ~4 years. What's new in SSIS 2005.
Suddenly, lights went on in people's eyes. The guy over on the far left woke up. People started asking questions, real questions.
Overall, it was a fun experience. It's always cool to rub elbows with folks that are using the product and give constructive feedback and encouragement.
Leonardo Junquera runs that group and does a great job. Thanks for the opportunity to speak Leo!
K
In a recent post I stated that we planned to have a technology preview available in February, '08.
Most folks aren't used to hearing these words in the same sentence, but here goes:
We're shipping early.
Tomorrow I'll be sending out email to customers and partners alerting them to the availability of the technology preview (TP) for download from MSConnect.
If you'd like to participate in the technology preview and haven't done so already, you can express interest by sending an email with "Interested in TP" in the subject to MDMVibe@Microsoft.com.
The TP product is pretty much identical to the product Microsoft acquired in June with a few notable exceptions:
- Libraries changed - The Stratature product used some libraries that were either out of date, not supportable, or the license was questionable. We removed those libraries and replaced the code with Microsoft technology.
- Patch rollup - The TP release represents a roll up of patch releases for the time since the acquistion.
- Signed - The TP release is signed and has been through the Microsoft ship process including more rigorous testing and signoff.
The primary purposes of this technology preview are two fold:
- We realize that there are a lot of rumors going around that the product was being removed from the market permanently. That just isn't true. We wanted to reintroduce the product into availability as soon as possible to mitigate the rumors.
- We wanted to expand the audience of customers and partners who are familiar with the product. While the product we ultimately ship for general availability will have many substantial improvements and new capabilities, the core product will remain largely intact. Customers and partners who participate in the technology preview will get a leg up on understanding the released product.
If you've expressed interest in participating in the MDM TP by sending email to MDMVide@Microsoft.com, you should be recieving an email very soon that explains the next steps.
While this is not a general availability release and only select individuals under NDA are allowed to participate, we do not have any arbitrary limitations on total number that may download the product.However, this release is not supported in any way by Microsoft. It is an early visibility release only.
This is the first step in reintroducing the Microsoft MDM product into general availability leading up to TAP, CTP and release. We hope you have the opportunity to participate and give feedback about the product.
Thanks,
Just thought I'd share the newly minted MDM website here:
http://www.microsoft.com/mdm
There are some whitepapers, case studies, links and other resources there. Over time we'll add to the content. We'll continue the whitepaper series, add more information about the product and programs as it becomes available.
We've also published the product roadmap available here in pdf format:
http://www.stratature.com/portals/0/MSMDMRoadmap.pdf
Here are some highlights of the roadmap.
The codename for the next version of the MDM product is Bulldog.
Technology Preview
The Stratature +EDM product will be released as a Technology Preview in February, 2008 to a select
group of customers. The preview release will have nearly identical functionality to the Stratature
release. This is an opportunity for interested customers and partners to have access to the +EDM
product.
By the way, while we intend to ultimately ship Bulldog with the next wave of Office, we are not completely aligned with Office processes at this time. Folks should NOT attempt to derive office shipping, technical preview or CTP dates from the Bulldog dates. Bulldog simply isn't aligned that way.
TAP
A formal TAP program will commence in the first half of 2008. The TAP will enable customers and
partners to work with Microsoft to provide input into the product, while solving real business problems
with MDM. For more information on TAP contact
MDMVibe@Microsoft.com.
CTP
Bulldog will use Community Technology Previews for early visibility into the product. The first CTP
release should be available Q3, 2008.
Release
General availability for Bulldog is currently planned to coincide with the next release of Office.
We're excited to be moving from the planning stages to the execution phase. After all, building software is the fun part of working at Microsoft!
Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.Office.MDM.KirkHaselden
I was about to write a post to clarify some of the disinformation that's been going around about the Stratature acquisition and our roadmap. It's an interesting place to be right now, where Roger and I are. There are analysts out there writing things we've told them and also writing things that have no basis in what we've told them. What's not so clear is which is which. Some have been making estimates of product availability timelines and strategy predictions. From our point of view, the folks that are building the product, it's a bit ironic to hear some of these predictions when we're still working through the timelines ourselves.
So, as I started to blog about this, I happened to head over to Roger's blog and noticed his latest gem.
http://blogs.msdn.com/rogerwolterblog/archive/2007/06/27/stratature-misinformation.aspx
I really couldn't have said it better.
Thanks,
Donald Farmer from SQL Server talks a bit about MDM at Microsoft. Especially appreciated, is the last note.
Thanks Donald, that means a lot to me.
Universe.Earth.Software.Microsoft.Office.MDM.KirkHaselden
