Slashgeo

All Points Blog links to an CRN article about Microsoft SQL Server plans in an interview with VP Flessner. From the article: ""You will see an investment in spatial indexing, geometry libraries. I want to do a good job supporting ESRI and other geo-spatial guys and make a good library available so if you can't afford those packages do good spatial analysis with out them," Flessner said. [...] When will that happen? The next four to six years, although he'd like to get more done "sooner rather than later.""

Matt Eitrem writes "ESRI is currently building a lower-cost integrated GIS and database solution to enable smaller organizations to benefit from the advantages of storing geographic data in a relational database management system (RDBMS). ESRI selected Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Express Edition for its security model, ease-of-use, small footprint, enhanced performance, and scalability. By embedding SQL Server 2005 Express Edition in its ArcSDE product, ESRI will improve performance for its customers. With this solution, ESRI plans to deliver an RDBMS-based solution at a significant price reduction from its standard solution and provide more options to its customers."

I'm mostly done catching up older stories from Planet Geospatial, here's the ones from Directions Mag which may interests you. Important to notice: I added most DM articles directly to Slashgeo's stories when the subject was recently discussed, such as Leica's TITAN, MS SQL Server, FME's Curvefitter, etc. The other articles: one on the status of MapInfo, one on energy exploration (oil and gas) and GIS, a product review of DeLorme XMap 5.0 GIS Enterprise, a short one on short range communications for vehicules and finally, a product overview of LizardTech Express Server 6.

Christian Spanring offers news on improved MySQL GIS functions. From the blog: "According to the GIS Functions wiki entry following MySQL GIS functions have been added to the MySQL 5.1.23 beta GIS release: BUFFER, DIFFERENCE, DISTANCE, INTERSECTION, SYM_DIFFERENCE, UNION. I haven’t had the chance to test it yet, but I remember being very excited when I first read about the MySQL spatial extension a couple of years ago, followed by disappointment because of the MBR limits. Finally I decided to go with PostgreSQL/PostGIS back then. " See previous stories below, including a survey of geospatial features of Oracle, MySQL and PostGIS.

Safe Software writes "“Safe Software continues to extend the power of our leading FME platform to address the broad spectrum of spatial ETL challenges that IT and GIS Professionals face,” says Don Murray, President of Safe Software. “We are committed to helping Microsoft SQL Server customers realize the benefits of tapping into their spatial and non-spatial data assets and are pleased to enhance FME to support SQL Server 2008.”" I deleted the rest of the press release, head here if you want it all. See also related stories below.

All Points Blog did what I was going to do, to point out the several announcements for support of Microsoft SQL Server 2008, which includes new spatial capabilities. Here are the full press releases: Safe, Manifold, SpatialPoint, AWhere). In addition, there's MapDotNet Server 6.5 which will also support the new SQL Server. See also related stories below.

Flat Out GIS has an article about this speculation. Here is there summary : "I’m comparing Google Maps versus Virtual Earth right now, and one of the deciding factors is spatial data support. With the upcoming release of SQL Server 2008 spatial support, will VE be able to read these new WKB and WKT types natively? I saw a news release from Microsoft indicating several partners have developed this capability for their products, but was looking for information on whether or not it will become part of the VE api. It would be a plus if VE could read SQL Server geometry and render them automatically without additional coding."

To get the link to the actual microsoft release, head on over to Flat Out GIS.