Search Server 2008 – Many Launch Updates
Hi,
It's been a while since we talked about the new Search Server 2008 - I've assembled a list of updates regarding the product so we'll know where we stand. As always when talking about releases – this information is no subjected to many changes so be prepared if you're planning your deployment based on this information:
The first issue is of course the release. As you know, we are still in the RC version for several months now with no change. Well, the wait is almost over. The official launch of the Microsoft Search Server 2008 ("MSS") and Microsoft Search Server 2008 Express ("MSS Express") is currently targeted to the beginning of March. Of course, nothing is final when discussing dates but don't be surprised if the launch will be announced very very soon (could be even next week!).
After the official announcement, the product will be available in several waves:
- MSS 2008 Express: RTM version will be immediately available for download.
- MSS 2008: Will be available also immediately. I guess you'll see it in the official Microsoft pricelist for April.
- MOSS 2007: Personally, this is the major release for me. The "SharePoint Search Feature Update" (that will give MOSS 2007 the full capabilities of MSS 2008) won't be available immediately and is scheduled to be released until the end of the year (most likely in the last quarter of 2008). Oh, and it will officially add the federation search capabilities to MOSS.
- Indexing connectors for all platforms: FileNet and Documentum connectors will be immediately available for download. The Official names will be : "Microsoft Enterprise Search Indexing Connector 2008 for IBM FileNet" and "Microsoft Enterprise Search Indexing Connector 2008 for EMC Documentum".
Another very important issue for us foreigners is the localization of the products. First of all - all of the supported languages in MOSS will be also available in the planned MSS 2008 releases. However, those releases will also be in several waves:
- In the official launch the languages will be the main languages (just like other MS products): English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese
- The second wave (probably 2-4 weeks after the launch) will include all of the other languages (again – according to MOSS's languages).
That's all for now. Hope the post answered some of your frequently asked questions
Bye,
Adir Ron.