Microsoft launched a new wave of enterprise software releases with a big global launch event yesterday.

Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer showcased the next generation of infrastructure and application platform products, including Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008.
"IT professionals and developers tell us they spend too much time and money managing existing systems and not enough investing in new capabilities that create strategic advantage," Ballmer said. "That feedback is at the core of the innovations in this new wave of products. Already, the overwhelming response from thousands of IT professionals and developers around the world is that this is the most secure enterprise platform we have ever delivered, and that it will simplify management and enable them to focus more on driving their businesses forward."

One of primary featured early adopters of Windows Server 2008 is GoDaddy of Danica Patrick Beaver Super Bowl Ad fame. Apparently, Go Daddy has seen a 300 percent to 400% increase in server performance using the new Microsoft technology.

Windows Server 2008, including a beta version of the Hyper-V virtualization technology, and Visual Studio 2008 are available today. The feature-complete, February community technology preview of SQL Server 2008 is also available, with general availability expected in the third quarter of 2008.

Microsoft's new Enterprise software launch rides under the slogan Heroes happen {here}. If you are a Microsoft hero you can get all the information about the new MS products here.