14 DAY TRIAL // There’s an easier way to test the next iteration of Microsoft’s data platform for the early adopters that could very well do without deploying the pre-release Build available to them.
The Redmond company has made available for download a new virtual hard disk of SQL Server codenamed Denali via the Microsoft Download Center.
The virtual image packs the third Community Technology Preview of SQL Server codenamed Denali, along with additional technologies from the software giant.
However, just as it’s the case for the standalone SQL Server codenamed Denali CTP3, the SQL Server Codenamed “Denali” CTP3 Demo VHD is also offered to testers as a free download.
Such releases are free because Microsoft harvests feedback from testers, in addition to the input that they provide voluntarily, in order to better the product and get it ready for release.
The SQL Server Codenamed “Denali” CTP3 Demo VHD is designed for use with Hyper-V in either Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise or Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard.
The download offers “a HyperV image of SQL Server Denali CTP3 in action, including fully configured services and integration with SharePoint 2010 and Office 2010,” according to the software giant.
So not only will users get to test SQL Server Codenamed “Denali” but also Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010.
“The Evaluation period for this Virtual Machine is 180-Days. By logging into the Virtual Machine you are accepted the EULA agreement contained within,” Microsoft informed.
Early adopters that decide to test SQL Server codenamed “Denali” CTP3 Demo VHD will need the following details: user: Contoso\Administrator, password: pass@word1, and Default Domain: CONTOSO.
Microsoft is apparently gearing up to release SQL Server codenamed “Denali” in early 2012, although a specific availability deadline has yet to be provided. Guess that the SQL Server 2012 moniker that I’ve been using for a while to refer to the next major iteration of the data platform was right on the money.
SQL Server Codenamed “Denali” CTP3 Demo VHD is available for download here.
SQL Server 2012 Codenamed Denali CTP3 is available for download here.