Microsoft has confirmed that final SQL Server 2008 software will not be released to market until the third quarter of 2008, six months after the promised official launch.

The company will hold a major global launch for the software on 27 February along with Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008.

However, François Ajenstat, director of SQL Server marketing at Microsoft, said in a blog entry that the final software was being held back until later in the year.

The launch of the software suites has been billed as the biggest in the company's history. Simultaneous events, known as 'Heroes Happen Here', will take place worldwide led from Los Angeles.

"In the spirit of open communication, we want to provide clarification on the roadmap for SQL Server 2008," wrote Ajenstat.

"Over the coming months, customers and partners can look forward to significant product milestones for SQL Server.

"Microsoft is excited to deliver a feature-complete community technology preview during the Heroes Happen Here launch, and a release candidate in Q2 2008, with final release to manufacturing of SQL Server 2008 in Q3."

The latest release of SQL will be key to Microsoft's increasing push into the business intelligence market. It will also include scaling enhancements for use in large scale data warehouses.