14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has opened up access to the first community technology preview of the next generation of its data platform. After shipping SQL Server 2008 R2 to MSDN and TechNet subscribers earlier this week, the Redmond company is now allowing all users to download and start testing the successor of SQL Server 2008. At this point in time, SQL Server 2008 R2 August Community Technology Preview is live on the Microsoft Download Center and up for grabs for all customers who want to test the evolution of the company’s data platform.
“Key features in this CTP release include: a new Control Point Explorer for central multi-instance and application utilization management. Built-in wizards to help you quickly set up and enroll instances and Data-Tier Application components into central management. Dashboard viewpoints for quick insight into application and instance utilization. Report Builder 3.0 with new support for geospatial visualization. StreamInsight core technology engine,” Microsoft revealed.
With the R2 release, Microsoft aims to no less than continue building on what the company referred to as the momentum of SQL Server 2008. In this context, SQL Server 2008 R2 is designed to kick IT efficiency up a notch. But at the same time, the Redmond company has not lost sight of the overall weak economic landscape and is promising customers that adopting SQL Server R2 will result in cut costs for database application developing and management, better positioning to leverage Self-Service Business Intelligence capabilities and scalability benefits.
“You can download the CTP for SQL Server 2008 R2 at the Microsoft TechNet Evaluation Center. If you are participating in the Office 2010 Technical Preview, you can also download a CTP of the Project “Gemini” Excel add-in from the Microsoft Connect site for “Gemini”. The “Gemini” add-in to Excel will empower users to create their own BI solutions using data from both IT-managed and external sources, carry out rich ad-hoc analysis and modeling, extract value from data more easily, and publish and share reports for others to view,” a member of the SQL Server team stated.
SQL Server 2008 R2 August 2009 CTP is available for download here.