SQL Server 2005 is a huge release for the SQL Server team—and for the industry in general—that heralds a new era in the development of database applications. Over the next few months, I'll look at some of the more exciting and industry-altering features of SQL Server 2005. I'll also occasionally pontificate about how you can use SQL Server 2005's enhanced features to develop "data-based" applications. But first, I want to look back on the history of storing and using data. It's always good to learn from the past, as long as you don't get stuck there.

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