14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has wrapped up its next iteration of data platform when it comes down to the features that will define the release. According to the Redmond-based company, the November Community Technology Preview of SQL Server 2008 R2 is “feature complete.” As of November 11, 2009, early adopters have been able to grab the bits for the latest CTP of SQL Server 2008 R2. The availability deadline was announced at the PASS Summit 2009Senior Vice President, Business Platform Division. On November 9, Microsoft opened up access to SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, only to provide the download to the general public just a couple of days later.
A member of the SQL Server team revealed some of the features that R2 brings to the table, including “support for Windows Server 2008 R2, including Hyper-V with Live Migration; enhanced data compression with support for Unicode UCS-2; PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel and Microsoft SharePoint Server; Report Builder 3.0 with Report Part Gallery and new visualizations (sparklines, databars); Master Data Services (MDS).”
The previous Community Technology Preview for SQL Server 2008 R2 was offered to testers in August 2009, and Microsoft has introduced important changes since. In the first week of November, the Redmond-based company announced the delivery oftwo new editions for its next generation data platform. In this regard, SQL Server customers will be able to purchase Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Datacenter and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse (formerly codenamed “Madison”).
“Enhancements to the capabilities delivered in the August CTP: a Control Point Explorer in SQL Server Management Studio 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; StreamInsight core technology engine for Complex Event Processing,” the SQL Server team representative added.
SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP is available for download here.