New Products - 24 Nov 2008

Change Management
Monitor Changes Across Database Platforms
Embarcadero Technologies has released a new version of its database change management tool. In addition to letting you take snapshots of schemas and use them to proactively monitor databases for changes, Change Manager 5.0 includes cross-platform support from a single UI, flexible reporting formats, and an enhanced command-line interface. Available in four new editions (Personal, Standard, Professional, and Ultimate), the product supports SQL Server 2008 and 2005, as well as other database platforms. Introductory pricing starts at $400 per user. For more information, email [email protected] or go to www.embarcadero.com.

Security
Detect Soft Spots in the Database
Fortinet announced its database security solution, the FortiDB-1000B appliance. The FortiDB scans SQL Server, DB2, Oracle, and Sybase databases for security risks such as weak passwords, access privileges, and configuration settings. Hundreds of preloaded standard policies cover known threats and best security practices and policies required for regulatory compliance. The product offers mitigation advice in line with regulatory compliance requirements and standardized reporting aimed at compliance. The centralized, web-based application is scalable and utilizes an agentless architecture. The FortiDB costs $20,000 for support of up to 30 databases, including hardware and bundled services (e.g., repair, replacement, and updates). To learn more, call 866-868-3678 or go to www.fortinet.com.

Business Intelligence
BI Tool Supports Google Spreadsheets
SiSense's Prism business intelligence (BI) tool now supports Google Spreadsheets in addition to traditional data sources. The Google Spreadsheets software for Prism, which is available as a free download, lets Prism users perform enterprise-level BI analysis and reporting on data stored in Google Spreadsheets, making it easier to perform basic and multidimensional analytics on Google Spreadsheets data without having to move the data to SQL, write scripts, or use OLAP. A workgroup license begins at $50 per month; a free license is also available. For more information, email SiSense at [email protected] or visit www.sisense.com.

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Application Deployment
Deploy SQL Server 2008 Express and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
InstallAware Software has announced a free update for InstallAware. The update lets you deploy the functionality included in Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 SP1, including Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and SQL Server 2008 Express. InstallAware provides one-click SQL Server 2008 Express deployment, modular installation of .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 subcomponents, and automatic installation of missing components. Pricing starts at $395. To learn more, call 415-839-5017 or visit www.installaware.com.

Virtualization
Database Efficiency with Virtualization Software
Database virtualization vendor xkoto has released GRIDSCALE, a product for improving application performance, scalability, and reliability in SQL Server environments. GRIDSCALE virtualizes the database infrastructure, enabling distribution of application loads across multiple instances of SQL Server, implementation of disaster recovery solutions, and upgrading hardware and software without inhibiting system performance or uptime. Priced at $8,500 per database server processor, GRIDSCALE supports Workgroup, Standard, and Enterprise Editions of SQL Server. For more information, contact xkoto at 416-440-7001 or visit www.xkoto.com.

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