New Stuff

I’ve always loved getting new things. And when it comes to software it’s no exception. I enjoy exploring a new release of my favorite app – see how things have changed and advanced and discovering new features. There are two new things that I want to call your attention to.

First, this week we released SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP. This CTP is a huge milestone because it is our feature complete CTP. You’ll find some great stuff in there for the Control Point and the Data-tier Application.

You can download the SQL Server 2008 R2 English language versions using these links:

SQL Server 2008 R2 Eval (including Master Data Services and StreamInsight): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=FE0C6A31-5AD6-4EEA-A865-73BBE2608BD1&displaylang=en

SQL Server 2008 R2 Express: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c772467d-e45b-43e1-9208-2c7b663d7ad1&displaylang=en

SQL Server 2008 R2 Feature Pack: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=020EE0D5-BCE4-4A45-9D64-B0C49C8831E5&displaylang=en

Don’t delay, pull these down, install them and put them through your own personal gauntlet. Send us your feedback using Microsoft Connect: http://connect.microsoft.com/sqlserver.

The second new thing is a new book: SQL Server MVP Deep Dives. There are two special things about this book: 1) it’s written by experts. The content is top notch and I think this is a must have book for every SQL Server DBA. Second, it was an all-volunteer book and all of the author proceeds are going to WarChild.org. You can find the book using the link above or also on Amazon. From the sidelines I watched the MVPs come together and get the book off the ground. It is a prime example of the strength and dedication of the SQL Server community.