Microsoft has confirmed that the next version of SQL Server, which moves further into big-iron territory, will be available in May.

The company announced the May arrival of SQL Server 2008 R2 with a Tuesday blog post. Sometime during the month, the new version will be appear on the Microsoft's price list and become available to buyers.

The date slipped out when partner Unisys published a white paper highlighting the results of a 96-core Unisys ES7000 system running SQL Server 2008 R2 under tests from the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC). A Microsoft blog then said the server would be available on May 6.

The TPC's rules require tested products be made available within 185 days of a benchmark's publication.

At the time, Microsoft said that it would push back the date from May 6 if more work is needed on SQL Server 2008 R2.

The next version of Microsoft's database will add support for high-scale applications with up to 256 logical processors and see appliances built featuring the software from hardware partners, including Unisys. ®

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