It isn't taking Microsoft Virtual Earth development partners long to recognize the value that SQL Server 2008 with spatial support is going to bring to Virtual Earth applications. Here are two more announcements from partners that will be supporting SQL Server 2008:

SpatialPoint Announces Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Spatial Enhancements Capabilities Include Visualizing Data from SQL Server Using the Virtual Earth Platform and SpatialPoint Atlas

IDV Solutions Offers Visual Search Capabilities using Microsoft Search Server 2008

If you are not up on what is coming with SQL Server 2008, here are just a few of the new features:

Use the new geography data type to store geodetic spatial data and perform operations on it

Use the new geometry data type to store planar spatial data and perform operations on it

Take advantage of new spatial indexes for high performance queries

Extend spatial data capabilities by building or integrating location-enabled applications through support for spatial standards and specifications

For more information, including datasheet and white paper downloads, take a look at the SQL Server 2008* web site.

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I'm curious about how much the SQL team is now overlapping or even competing with the VE/MapPoint/Geography group? Of course it's been a long time in coming and you are one company.. also interesting to see ESRI and Manifold among the list of partners... makes sense anyway.

Do the new spatial extensions mostly make unnecessary older SQL Server spatial addin products from MapInfo and others?

Eric