ISVs Courted for Yukon Apps

Microsoft Corp. plans to whet the appetite of small and midsize businesses for a major update of its SQL Server database—code-named Yukon—with a liberal helping of Yukon-ready applications.

Its main tool is a program the Redmond, Wash., company calls Yukon Ascend, which encourages ISVs to make applications available for use with Yukon.

The first phase of the program, which officials are also referring to as the ISV Readiness Program for Yukon, was rolled out last month and coincided with the launch of Yukon Beta 1. The target was to sign on 100 ISVs. Microsoft provides the ISVs with in-depth technical support, including application assessment and direct porting in some cases. Microsoft will also co-market the applications so that people will be aware of what applications are available when Yukon ships, according to Stan Sorenson, Microsofts director of product management for SQL Server.

Because the program is in its earliest stages, Microsoft had no information on which ISVs it expects to sign on.

New features in the update that are designed to appeal to shops with minimal IT staff—a trademark of small businesses—include an overhaul of the management console. The updated console will include ease-of-use features such as auto-completion and IntelliSense, a feature that automates routine data entry by making suggestions based on the first few characters typed.

The second phase of Yukon Ascend will begin in the first half of next year, with Yukon Beta 2. The target of this phase will be to sign up 1,000 ISVs.

The final phase will begin in the second half of next year, with the release of Yukon Beta 3, the release candidate. The target is to sign up 3,000 ISVs.

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