Safe Software Adds Support for SQL Server 2008

FME 2008 beta allows users of SQL Server to employ FME's data translation, transformation, and integration capabilities to read and write spatial data to SQL Server 2008.

The FME 2008 beta allows users to read and write spatial data (as well as more than 200 other CAD, GIS, raster, and database formats) to SQL Server 2008. Safe Software reports that it plans to further enhance the FME platform by adding automatic spatial index creation in 2008.

"Safe Software continues to extend the power of our leading FME platform to address the broad spectrum of spatial ETL challenges that IT and GIS professionals face," said Don Murray, president. "We are committed to helping Microsoft SQL Server customers realize the benefits of tapping into their spatial and nonspatial data assets and are pleased to enhance FME to support SQL Server 2008."

With FME 2007, Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) users could access the spatial ETL capabilities of FME from within the SSIS environment. With FME 2008, these users can use FME's set of spatial ETL capabilities in an environment that combines SQL Server 2008's spatial capabilities and SSIS. A brief movie posted on the Safe Software Web site demonstrates how FME works with Microsoft SSIS.

"Customers are seeking an easy and cost-effective way to move their spatial data into SQL Server 2008," said Ed Katibah, principal program manager at Microsoft. "With its breadth of data translation and transformation capabilities, Safe Software's FME offers a compelling solution that enables our joint customers to take advantage of the spatial features that will be available in SQL Server 2008."

In other news, Safe Software announced that it has granted official "FME Certified" accreditation to more than 50 FME experts around the world. These individuals are the first to be formally assessed and recognized as part of the company's new FME Certification Program, which is designed to identify training and consulting professionals with FME expertise.

"We are thrilled to be able to formally recognize the high-quality FME expertise of service providers around the globe," said Murray. "The new FME Certification Program offers these FME experts another way to foster credibility and a competitive edge in their industries. It also helps Safe Software customers identify who they can rely in their local market for the highest standard for FME expertise and service."

Safe Software's list of FME Certified Professionals and Trainers is available online.