This past week we released SQL Server 2008 R2 to manufacturing. This is a huge accomplishment for the team and our customers are anxious to get their hands on it. I came across one blog post that expressed disappointment that the only thing they could...

It's here! The latest version of SQL Server is out, and it's a big release. This is an exciting time for us - this release is an "R2" - a first for SQL Server. No, it isn't a service pack, and no, we didn't change the product so much that it affects...

Just after a new release of SQL Server, I often get e-mails and calls from folks with this question: “Can I upgrade from Customer Technical Preview (CTP) x or Beta #x or Release Candidate (RC) to the “Released to Manufacturing” (RTM) version?” Unfortunately...

Though short, this article in PC World makes an important point: the PowerPivot feature in SQL Server 2008 R2 is incredibly valuable to small businesses. I mentioned in a previous post that in another “life”, in enterprise IT for a Fortune 10 company...

One of the most exciting times in a product release cycle is when the launch festivities begin. In the product development team it means that we get to start the celebration! That is until we start work on the next release, which for us has already begun...