MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to get their hands on a preview of Microsoft's SQL Server 2008 R2 from next week.
The "community technology preview" (CTP) will be available to subscribers from Monday, and made generally available next Wednesday.
The R2 features self service business intelligence, allowing end users to perform actions themselves, freeing up time for IT staff, claimed Microsoft.
Other features in the pre-release version include application and multi-server management, as well as symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) scalability for up to 256 processors and Report Builder 3.0.
Following the preview, Microsoft wants testers to send feedback to the company ahead of the server's official release, expected for next year.
The company also confirmed that this would be the first of many CTPs coming up in the next few weeks, including previews of the SQL Azure Database, a limited preview of Project "Gemini" Excel and SharePoint add-ins.
Visit IT PRO's sister title Channel Pro for news, in-depth analysis and industry comment aimed at distributors, resellers and anyone else working in the IT channel.
-
The UK government wants quantum technology out of the lab and in the hands of enterprisesNews The UK government has unveiled plans to invest £121 million in quantum computing projects in an effort to drive real-world applications and adoption rates.
-
Netgear WBE710 reviewReviews The compact WBE710 delivers great cloud management features and a good turn of Wi-Fi 7 speed – but it does have a premium price tag
-
Upcoming SQL Server 2016 will better integrate with Microsoft AzureNews Microsoft's new product will also offer improved analytics and business intelligence
-
Microsoft targets Big Data with SQL Server 2012News SQL Server 2012 offers a leap forward in turning Big Data into business intelligence, says Microsoft.
-
Microsoft updates SQL Server 2008News Microsoft today announced the launch of its Service Pack 1 for SQL Server 2008 as a free download.
