14 DAY TRIAL // The first upgrade to SQL Server 2008 R2 is now available for download from Microsoft. Customers running Microsoft’s data platform can head over to the Download Center and grab SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 and SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 - Express Edition. According to Microsoft, Service Pack 1 is designed to upgrade all SKUs of SQL Server 2008 R2, namely editions such as Parallel Computing, Datacenter, Enterprise and Developer, Standard, Web, Workgroup, and Express.
SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 comes packed with all the cumulative updates for the data platform, namely packages 1 thru 6, as well as a variety of bug fixes that the software giant has introduced in response to customer feedback.
In addition, according to Microsoft, SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 brings to the table enhancements including:
“• Dynamic Management Views for increased supportability: sys.dm_exec_query_stats DMV is extended with additional columns to improve supportabilities over troubleshooting long-running queries.
• ForceSeek for improved querying performance: Syntax for FORCESEEK index hint has been modified to take optional parameters allowing it to control the access method on the index even further.
• Data-tier Application Component Framework (DAC Fx) for improved database upgrades: The new Data-tier Application (DAC) Framework v1.1 and DAC upgrade wizard enable the new in-place upgrade service for database schema management.
• Disk space control for PowerPivot: This update introduces two new configuration settings that let you determine how long cached data stays in the system.”
In addition to SP1 for the paid versions of the data platform, Microsoft also upgraded SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Edition with the advent of SP1.
But even with the upgrade, SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Express Edition continues to be available free of charge to customers.
There are no less than three editions of SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Express:
“• SQL Server 2008 R2 Express with Tools - Core edition of Express that supports development. Includes SQL Server 2008 Database Engine and SQL Server Management Studio Express
• SQL Server 2008 R2 Express with Advanced Services - Extends SQL Server 2008 Express with tools to include support for Integrated Full-text Search and Reporting Services
• SQL Server 2008 R2 Express (Runtime Only) - Includes the SQL Database Engine only and is designed for deployments and ISV redistribution.”
SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) RTM is available for download here.
SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Express RTM is available for download here.