14 DAY TRIAL // Although the Microsoft Download Center has been offering SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM downloads for almost two weeks now, it was only yesterday that the Redmond company started serving the latest iteration of its data platform to MSDN and TechNet subscribers. As of May 3rd, 2010, MSDN and TechNet subscribers can access the RTM bits for a variety of SQL Server 2008 R2 editions. All the SKUs are offered in English, for the time being, but, of course, Microsoft will introduce additional localized versions in the future.
“Today we are happy to announce the availability of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. For subscribers, SQL Server 2008 R2 is now available in the following editions: Enterprise, Standard, Web, Workgroup and Developer (English Language availability only). To get started MSDN and TechNet,” a member of the SQL Server team revealed.
With the release to manufacturing of SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft also debuted the SQL Server Launch website, centralizing a variety of resources on the new version of the data platform. The Redmond company is in fact inviting customers to access the website and familiarize themselves with the successor of the plain vanilla SQL Server 2008.
With the R2 version of SQL Server 2008, Microsoft has laid a great deal of emphasis on the Business Intelligence, introducing new features such as PowerPivot, Master Data Services, Application and Multi-server Management, Report Builder 3.0, and StreamInsight. According to Microsoft, there were in excess of 300,000 downloads of SQL Server 2008 R2, taking into consideration the Community Technology Preview releases.
“The groundbreaking new tools and technologies included in SQL Server 2008 R2 enable organizations to empower their users, facilitate seamless and highly secure sharing and collaboration on user-generated BI solutions, and help to increase IT and BI developer efficiencies. Tools such as PowerPivot for Excel 2010 and Report Builder 3.0, and innovative technologies such as PowerPivot for SharePoint 2010, Analysis Services in SharePoint on VertiPaq or traditional storage modes, Reporting Services, and Master Data Services, not only tackle all typical BI challenges in the enterprise, they truly change the game of BI,” Microsoft revealed.
The new SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM downloads are available here.