Is the Market Ready for SQL Server 2008?

Today I downloaded and installed the latest SQL Server 2008 Community Technical Preview from connect.microsoft.com. Downloading the preview requires you to sign up for Microsoft Connect which is free of charge. SQL Server 2008 is scheduled for release by early 2008.

We run 26 databases on a SQL Server 2000 machine for customers from every corner of the public administration. Out of those customers only one has already asked if we are going to migrate to SQL Server 2005. Most applications on that server would run as well on SQL Server 2005. Many software companies have not yet finished implementing SQL Server 2005 features into their applications. And many IT professionals are in the middle of developing their SQL Server 2005 skills. I think the market is not ready for SQL Server 2008 at the beginning of next year.