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What are some of the new features associated with "Whidbey"

  • Visual Studio "Whidbey" includes a set of tools (code-named "Whitehorse") that enables architects and developers to easily design service-oriented applications and operations infrastructure simultaneously. "Whitehorse" uses a drag-and-drop design surface to connect XML Web services, and then validates the resulting applications against the deployment environment using the System Definition Model (SDM), saving both time and money.
  • "Whidbey" continues Microsoft's commitment to developer productivity, introducing a set of language features, ranging from "edit-and-continue" - a core rapid-application development technology - to simplified abstractions for many common tasks, and the introduction of generics in the Common Language Runtime (CLR). In addition, development of data-centric applications in Visual Basic® .NET is simplified with a new drag-and-drop design-time experience to produce highly scalable information-driven applications.
  • "Whidbey" introduces services and controls to reduce code in common scenarios by up to 70 percent, and new design tools that enable developers to deliver a personalized browsing experience for end users. ASP.NET "Whidbey" will also deliver support for themes and master pages, making it easy to create and maintain Web sites that have a consistent look and feel, and new management and configuration capabilities that simplify the management and deployment of Web applications.
  • The "Whidbey" version of the .NET Framework also boasts support for 64-bit processors to enable scaling to the largest processors requiring little work on the part of the developer, and a new deployment technology, code-named "ClickOnce," that enables applications to be installed, updated and even rolled back to previous versions more easily.


    • What are some of the new features associated with "Yukon"

  • The most notable developer advancement for SQL Server "Yukon" is that the Common Language Runtime will be hosted in the database engine. This will enable developers to choose from a variety of familiar languages including Transact-SQL, Visual Basic .NET and Visual C#® .NET to develop stored procedures in databases and user-defined types.
  • SQL Server "Yukon" will also include substantial advancements for XML and Web services such as support for XQuery and XML, including a native XML datatype. These technologies will enable organizations to more easily connect internal and external systems. In addition, by supporting both relational and XML data natively, enterprises will be able to store, manage and analyze data in the format that best suits their needs. SQL Server "Yukon" will also include support for existing and emerging open standards such as HTTP, XML, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), XQuery and XML Schema Definition (XSD).
  • Microsoft has made significant investments to enhance tools in SQL Server "Yukon" that will enable developers to utilize one development tool for Transact-SQL, XML, Multidimensional Expression (MDX) and XML for Analysis (XML/A). By integrating with Visual Studio, SQL Server "Yukon" will enable more efficient development and debugging of line-of-business and business intelligence applications.

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