SQL Server 2005, MySpace.com and Quiznos: What do they have in common?

Now that we have shipped SQL Server 2005, I am happy to see that people are interested in using it. Today, I ask you the following riddle:

What does SQL Server 2005, MySpace.com and Quiznos have in common?

Well, here is the answer:

Here is a link to Rick Penwell's blog on the MySpace next generation project. Why is that interesting you ask? Because MySpace.com is among the top 10 most visited websites in the world and because he will be using SQL Server 2005 and the XML datatype for the next generation! And btw, Rick: You are very welcome! And feel free to contact me with any questions, issues, feedback and requests (as long as it is not overwhelming my inbox :-)).

So what about Quiznos? Well, I don't know what they use in their IT department, but a co-worker of mine recently went to a Bellevue Quiznos for lunch. Here is an excerpt from his email (posted with permission):

I was at Quizno’s subs for lunch today and I was wearing a SQL Server shirt. The guy that takes the money asks if I work for SQL Server and tells me how much he likes SQL Server 2005, particularly the XML stuff.

Man! If a guy working in a sub shop knows what SQL Server 2005 XML is, and what he can do with it, then somebody has done a really good job!

Great! I just hope that this will enable him to work on something else than the check-out counter at a fast-food place :-). So do this guy a favor and develop on SQL Server 2005! :-)

So here you have it: SQL Server 2005, MySpace.com and Quiznos have (at least at some level :-)) the XML data type in common!