Datallegro doesn’t appear to have extensive experience in parallel databases. They built something akin to a federation layer on top of the database, making it easier to port to SQLServer. With a very small customer base relative to the other vendors, one has to question their approach vs. tight database integration, since every other vendor on the market does that. It’s more likely that you do need this, and the layer doesn’t work so well. So MSFT bought something in order to make a move inthe DB market and put pressure on competitors, without having to worry about releasing something workable in the short term.