One would think that when you say SQL 2008 R2 is RTM (or as it says on the launch web site, SQL 2008 R2 'is here'), it would mean that it would be available to MSDN and Technet subscribers. To find that EVAL and Express editions are all there is to be had is a bit more than disappointing, it's frustrating - why am I paying for Technet again?

Kevin, at the end of the day we had a choice to make and we went for it in the hopes that our closest customers (TechNet/MSDN subscribers) would understand. This allowed us to give the broadest customer base a chance to see the product. Keep in mind that MSDN/TechNet downloads will be available May 3, 2010. This is still ahead of Volume License downloads and the retail and OEM channels. With respect to your TechNet subscription there are several benefits including access to Microsoft professional support and access to eLearning courses.

Again, Dan - speaking as a paying customer with software assurance upgrades, a technet subscriber, and a solution developer with multiple MSDN licenses throughout our org, the choices you make are often frustrating to us. And I think you have your priorities mixed up if you're putting out evaluation versions of your software before you provide it to those who are using it, supporting it, and developing on it. My 2 cents.

Kevin,

Thank you again for your feedback. Customer input & feedback is important and valued by us. I will take it back to the team for discussion.