Support for new data types

Question

Is the SQL Azure team planning support for some of the newer (i.e. SQL Server 2008) data types? I am speaking of data types like hierarchyid and geography. I've been working on some ideas that use these newer data types. I am also planning making a case for using SQL Azure, and am interested to know the plans for these new data types.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes -- we do have plans to add support for more data types over time.  We are not in a position to publish a schedule but we are going to prioritize new items bases on popular demand. 
We hope that people reading this forum will start making requests for their favorite types and help with the prioritization.

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Tonyp

Answer 2

Thanks for the response. Making a decision to use SQL Azure will not hinge on using these newer data types. But as we look to move from SQL 2005 to SQL 2008, or go to SQL Azure, how much we really want/need these newer data types becomes a factor in the desicion process.

Thanks again.

Mike

Answer 3

Any updates on new datatypes? Our company is looking for geography data types. This is the only requirement keeping us from using SQL Azure.