14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has started offering incentives for early adopters testing the next iteration of its data platform to provide feedback.
The third Community Technology Preview of SQL Server codenamed “Denali” has been available for testing since mid-July 2012, and continues to be up for grabs for customers looking to get a taste of what’s coming in the RTM Build of the solution, which will most likely be labeled SQL Server 2012.
Testers taking SQL Server 2012 codenamed “Denali” CTP3 out for a spin can now win gifts packs worth $30 each if they submit bugs via Microsoft Connect. Microsoft is calling the initiative the Feedback Challenge, and is making no secret that the promotion is intended to increase the volume of feedback testers offer.
“Starting on Friday August 19, we will be sending SQL Server gifts packs valued at $30 to each person who submits bugs or provides feedback on how we can improve SQL Server Code Name “Denali” up through August 31, 2011 (or to the first 300 respondents),” a member of the SQL Server team stated.
“We want as much feedback as we can get to improve the product, so we want reward you for your time and efforts in testing SQL Server Code Name “Denali” CTP3! Our team is looking for meaningful, constructive CTP3 feedback. If your feedback doesn’t provide our engineers with enough detail to take action or is just spam (e.g. comments that don’t point to specific issues), then you will not be considered a prize winner.”
All feedback provided should be focused on SQL Server 2012 codenamed “Denali” CTP3, however, Microsoft is ready to accept not only bug submissions, but also realistic suggestions for tweaks that can be implemented ahead of the data platform’s RTM.
Testers can send both bugs reports and suggestions to the software giant via the Feedback site on Microsoft Connect set up for codenamed Denali.
“From your own Twitter account, send a tweet to @SQLServer telling us that you submitted feedback. Be sure to include the #sqldenali hashtag and provide both the date and feedback ID number that will be shown after your feedback is posted,” the company said.
SQL Server 2012 Codenamed Denali CTP3 is available for download here.