The Schema Compare feature enables writing of scripts to update the schema of the target database to match the source database. Another feature, called Data Compare, serves the same purpose for data in the source and target databases. A new T-SQL editor also is included.

"The big thing with [Visual Studio Team System for Database Professionals] is we're finally bringing [Visual] Studio to the database developers so that they're an equal member of the team," said Richard Campbell, an early user of the product and president of Campbell and Associates, a consulting firm that works with developers.

"I think it's going to make a huge difference to us," Campbell said. Modifications to the database will be included with code changes in the application lifecycle, he said.

A final, shipping version of the product is due by the end of the year. The product is expected to carry an estimated retail price of US$5,469 and also will be available as part of MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscriptions. Microsoft previously has offered role-based products for software architects, developers and testers as part of the Team System family.

In addition to being available at TechEd, the CTP of Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals also will be available through MSDN (http://msdn1.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx).