Despite the fact that SQL Server 2008 accompanied Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 at the Heroes Happen Here launch event in February 2008, Microsoft is just now making available for download the first Release Candidate of the product. François Ajenstat, director of marketing for SQL Server, provided an SQL Server 2008 roadmap clarification at the end of January 2008, explaining that the official launch of Microsoft's next iteration of its relational database management system would not coincide with its actual release.

Approximately three months ago, the Redmond company offered for download what it referred to as a feature-complete Community Technology Preview of SQL Server 2008, promising that the first Release Candidate would be made available in the second quarter of this year. Since January, Microsoft has been targeting the third quarter of 2008 for SQL Server 2008 to go gold and to be offered to customers. Until now, a specific Release to Manufacturing date has not been announced by Microsoft.

"On the heels of TechEd 2008 for Developers ending on Friday, we are happy to announce that SQL Server 2008 RC0 has been made available for early download by MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers. RC0 is the final step before SQL Server 2008 RTMs in Q3 of this year. After logging into their respective accounts, subscribers can view Product Keys and download SQL Server 2008 RC0 from the following links: MSDN and TechNet Plus," stated Anthony Carrabino, Senior Product Manager, SQL Server.

Just ahead of the RC0 Build of SQL Server 2008, the Redmond giant also redesigned the logo of the products, as you can see from the image at the top of this article. "The Microsoft branding team unveiled an official new logo for SQL Server 2008 at TechEd 2008. The new symbol portion of the logo (officially called 'dynamic grid symbol') is part of a larger branding strategy designed to help customers and partners distinguish server products in Microsoft's overall product portfolio," Carrabino explained.

SQL Server 2008 RC0 is available for download here.