No, that's not a misprint, and I haven't lost my mind quite yet. (Some friends might tell you differently, as might the leprechaun in my closet, but we'll save that for a future editorial.) Red Sky is the code name for the next ColdFusion MX release - a FREE (one of the greatest words in the English language) updater being released this summer that helps take CFMX up to new levels of greatness.

We've been playing with it here at CFDJ for the past few weeks as part of the beta program, and I'm proud to report that SYS-CON.com (putting our servers where our mouths are) will also be one of the early adopters when it's released this summer. To join the beta program, visit www.macromedia.com/go/cfmxbeta.

We're lining up lots of great Red Sky coverage starting in next month's issue, including everything you need to know to get up and running and to start taking advantage of the new features designed to make your lives easier and your servers happier - not to mention faster and more stable as well.

Red Sky has addressed over 400 different customer issues with ColdFusion MX. Macromedia has been listening to the suggestions (and the complaints) that you've been making and this new update delivers on many different fronts, many of which you can start taking advantage of right upon install. They've done their best to address the most significant issues and requests for ColdFusion MX.

The first thing you'll notice is an extremely simplified install and migration program that will make upgrading a simple task whether you're coming from CFMX or an earlier release. If you're still running CF 4/5 because you're reluctant to upgrade, and you've been scared off by some of the stories about CFMX's original installer, then this is the release you've been waiting for. One of the first things you'll notice after installation is that it's faster...and in some cases...it's a lot faster. Performance has been streamlined overall, with a variety of contributing factors that will help to speed up your server and your CF applications.

First, the CFML compiler has been optimized, which, off the bat, results in increased runtime performance and stability. Adding to that are updated JDBC/ODBC drivers for database access, and they're now distributing it with the newest Java Virtual Machine from Sun. For those using Microsoft Access for smaller scale sites - or if you're gutsy, larger scale sites - there's a new Unicode driver that should relieve some of the headaches that you may currently be facing with international or other characters.

There's new support for Windows 2003 Server - the new platform from Microsoft that we'll be covering shortly as well. Stay tuned for full details of all this and more in upcoming issues of CFDJ as we guide you through everything you need to know!

Exciting times are ahead in the world of ColdFusion, which is making preparation even more exciting for CFDJ's panel discussion that will take place June 21 at CFUN-03 in Maryland. The discussion will have passed by the time this issue is in your hands, but we'll be providing coverage of that as well.

It's a good time to be a CF developer, and an even better time to get involved with the CF community, the events, and the user groups if you're not already taking part. Just as we strive to make CFDJ each month - they are a fantastic resource.