So, I'm installing SQL Server 2008. Let's begin with the list of enhancements: 

• Transparent Data Encryption. The ability to encrypt an entire database.
• Backup Encryption. Executed at backup time to prevent tampering.
• External Key Management. Storing Keys separate from the data.
• Auditing. Monitoring of data access.
• Data Compression. Fact Table size reduction and improved performance.
• Resource Governor. Restrict users or groups from consuming high levels or resources.
• Hot Plug CPU. Add CPUs on the fly.
• Performance Studio. Collection of performance monitoring tools.
• Installation improvements. Disk images and service pack uninstall options.
• Dynamic Development. New ADO and Visual Studio options as well as Dot Net 3.
• Entity Data Services. Line Of Business (LOB) framework and Entity Query Language (eSQL)
• LINQ. Development query language for access multiple types of data such as SQL and XML.
• Data Synchronizing. Development of frequently disconnected applications.
• Large UDT. No size restriction on UDT.
• Dates and Times. New data types: Date, Time, Date Time Offset.
• File Stream. New data type VarBinary(Max) FileStream for managing binary data.
• Table Value Parameters. The ability to pass an entire table to a stored procedure.
• Spatial Data. Data type for storing Latitude, Longitude, and GPS entries.
• Full Text Search. Native Indexes, thesaurus as metadata, and backup ability.
• Reporting Server. Improved memory management.
• SQL Server Integration Service. Improved multiprocessor support and faster lookups.
• MERGE. TSQL command combining Insert, Update, and Delete.
• SQL Server Analysis Server. Stack improvements, faster block computations.
• SQL Server Reporting Server. Improved memory management and better rendering.
• Microsoft Office 2007. Use OFFICE as an SSRS template. SSRS to WORD.
• SQL 200 Support Ends. Mainstream Support for SQL 2000 is coming to an end.¹

There are some things in this list that excite me. The table value parameter might be helpful. There are also things in here that scare me, with the table value parameter fitting that bill too.

SQL Server is a toolbox full of tools. Unfortunately, there are a lot of programmers who believe that hammers work as screwdrivers. And, while they are correct some of the time, you really can't use a molly fastener with a hammer and expect it to stay in. 

So I'll be covering, in greater depth, SQL 2008, functionality and problems. Stay tuned for more.

¹I know people are still running 2000, but I have to wonder why? And, FWIW, my recommendation is move to 2008, not 2005, if you're migrating now.