Microsoft SQL Server 2008 provide following new features for database developers
Increase the precision of storing and managing DATE and TIME information.
Store semi-structured and sparsely populated sets of data efficiently, using Sparse Columns.
New fully integrated Full-Text Indexes enable high-performance, scalable, and manageable Full-Text Indexing.
Create large User-Defined Types and User-Defined Aggregates greater than 8 KB.
Pass large amounts of data easily to functions or procedures using new Table-Value Parameters.
Perform multiple operations efficiently with the new MERGE command.
Model hierarchical data, such as org charts, or files and folders, using the new HierarchyID data type.
Build powerful location-aware applications, using SQL Server’s new standards-compliant spatial data types and spatial indexing capabilities.
Manage files and documents efficiently with full SQL Server security and transaction support, using the powerful new FILESTREAM data type.
Easily identify dependencies across objects and databases, using New Dependency Management.
Experience faster queries and reporting with Grouping Sets through powerful ANSI standards-compliant extensions to the GROUP BY clause.
Experience efficient, high-performance data access, using new Filtered Indexes for subsets of data.