Migrating or upgrading to SQL Server 2008 isn’t free, but it can save you money over the near term – especially when compared to similar Oracle or Sybase solutions. Organizations that make the switch to SQL Server 2008 can quickly recover migration costs by reducing maintenance costs, IT staff costs, and costs of 3rd party solution providers, consultants, and off-the-shelf applications. The question is – do the benefits justify the costs for your organization?

Get started with Microsoft’s Competitive Business Value Assessment for SQL Server 2008

Microsoft’s Business Case Engagement Desk is a low-risk effort to provide you the high-level benefits and costs of a SQL Server 2008 data platform compared to Oracle or Sybase. This engagement desk is designed to quickly develop a high-level business case using Microsoft’s SQL Server 2008 TCO & ROI Discussion tool and the 10 questions we’re asking you to provide insights through in the nomination form. Using this tool, Microsoft can provide a quick estimate of the ROI of a SQL Server 2008 investment and provide you results in a short Microsoft Powerpoint slide deck.

Drive For Five Offer Terms and Conditions

By clicking the “Click to Chat” button, then clicking “Accept,” you agree to engage (by phone or internet chat, as applicable) with a representative of Microsoft Corporation (“Sponsor”) for approximately five minutes to discuss the Drive For Five Offer (the “Offer”), and you agree to be bound by these Drive For Five Offer Terms and Conditions (“Terms”), Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, and Sponsor’s Terms of Use. After your initial conversation with Sponsor’s representative, and provided you comply with these Terms, you will be eligible for an assessment of your current database environment by Sponsor (“Assessment”). This Offer is open only to current Microsoft Enterprise Partner Group and Corporate Account customers, and certain other current customers as determined by Sponsor’s Partner Network (in Sponsor’s sole discretion) (collectively, “Eligible Customers”). Eligible Customer registrants that are public sector entities (defined as governments at all levels, including federal, state, local, and public educational institutions) will be required to complete a Pre-Sales Service Agreement in order to be eligible for the Offer. Eligibility for the Offer is subject to verification at Sponsor’s sole discretion; registrants that are not Eligible Customers may not participate in the Offer. Beginning on Friday, June 17, 2011, at noon Pacific Standard Time, Eligible Customers may visit www.riseabovetoday.com (the “Offer Website”), review these Terms, Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, and Sponsor’s Terms of Use, and input all requested information in the form provided (“Offer Registration Form”). By completing the Offer Registration Form and clicking “Accept,” Eligible Customers agree to submit the contact information entered on the Offer Registration Form to Sponsor and to receive communications from Sponsor regarding this Offer and the Assessment. Use of the Offer Website is subject to Sponsor’s Terms of Use.

The Offer is void outside the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia and where prohibited. The Offer is limited to one Assessment per Eligible Customer. The Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer. The Offer ends on December 31, 2011, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes related to this Offer, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. These Terms are subject to change without notice at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Collection and use of personally identifiable information submitted on the Offer Registration Form, and/or to any of Sponsor’s representatives in connection with this Offer, is subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. By registering for the Offer on behalf of an Eligible Customer, the individual completing the Offer Registration Form and clicking “Accept” represents that he/she: has the authority to bind said Eligible Customer to these Terms, is over 18 years of age (or 19+ in AL and NE), and agrees to be the administrative contact for that Eligible Customer for the Offer and all related communications.