SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Feature Pack CTP1 Available for Testing

Microsoft is enabling testers to take the first upgrade for SQL Server 2008 R2 out for a spin, but at the same time it’s also offering a taste of future enhancements for the data platform. The first Community Technology Preview of SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 was made available for download earlier this month, but there are additional goodies for the products which can be tested.

Specifically, the next iteration of the Feature Pack that accompanies SQL Server 2008 R2.

Since SQL Server 2008 R2 is being upgraded to SP1, it’s only natural that the Feature Pack for the data platform to also receive the upgrade.

This being said, the Community Technology Preview of SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Feature Pack can be grabbed via the Microsoft Download Center and tested by the early adopters also running SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 CTP1.

“The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Feature Pack CTP1 is a collection of stand-alone packages which provide additional value for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2. It includes the latest versions of:

•Redistributable components for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 CTP

•Add-on providers for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 CTP,” the software giant stated.

Customers need to be aware from the get go that downloading and testing SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Feature Pack CTP1 also means providing feedback to Microsoft.

Testers should check out the privacy details that accompany the download, since the Redmond company makes no secret of the fact that it’s harvesting data from the CTP releases in order to improve the product.

“Some components in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 CTP Feature Pack of SQL Server have certain Internet-enabled features, including the Customer Experience Improvement Program and Error and Usage Reporting component, enabled by default to help us identify and address issues that you may encounter while using SQL Server,” Microsoft said.

SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Feature Pack CTP1 is available for download here.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Community Technology Preview - Express Edition is available for download here.