Today at Tech�Ed 2005 Europe, Microsoft Corp. continued to disclose details surrounding the launch of Microsoft� SQL Server� 2005, Visual Studio� 2005 and BizTalk� Server 2006. As part of his keynote address, Andy Lees, corporate vice president of Server and Tools Marketing and Solutions, announced that these products would launch on Monday, Nov. 7 in San Francisco.

As part of the announcement, Microsoft revealed that throughout November there would be more than 90 launch events spanning 50 countries. The worldwide launch of SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005 and BizTalk Server 2006 offers significant advancements in interoperability, developer productivity and mission-critical support. The launch furthers Microsoft�s commitment to delivering the next-generation platform for connected systems to advance business decision-making through greater insight, visibility and alignment across software development and business processes.

�The launch of SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005 and BizTalk Server 2006 will truly be a global launch. We will kick off the availability of these products in San Francisco and carry it through Europe and the rest of the world in the following days and weeks,� Lees said. �These products mark a new generation of platforms for connected systems, and are not only designed to work better together, but will enable customers to better connect with existing systems, trading partners, customers and employees.�