The release of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0--code-named "Sphinx"--may slip
again, this time to late 1998 or early 1999. Originally due in 1997, Sphinx
was delayed earlier this year to mid-1998, but Microsoft officials have
confirmed that the release has slipped again.
SQL Server lead product manager John Nordlinger says that while a July
launch is still possible, fall or winter 1998 are more likely. Microsoft,
he says, is looking for the right time to launch the product.
Though Microsoft hasn't decided how it will package it, they will be
releasing an OLAP server code-named "Plato" simultaneously with Sphinx.
The company may end up bundling Plato with Sphinx for free.