With each new SQL Server release, it becomes increasingly clear that the product is no longer just a database. SQL Server is a powerful application platform, loaded with capabilities to enhance and complement its traditional database features. Among other benefits, this ongoing development of the product greatly decreases the need to rely on external or third-party applications to create robust, feature-rich enterprise database solutions. The new Native XML Web Services feature in SQL Server 2005 removes dependency on IIS to expose standards-based, secure Web services.

The...