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January 2010 - Posts - Ella Maschiach's BI Blog

Ella Maschiach's BI Blog

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January 2010 - Posts

SQL Server 2008 R2 Release Date

Microsoft just announced SQL Server 2008 R2 release date and it’s May 2010 – not too far ahead…
SQL Server 2008 R2 along with SharePoint 2010, Excel 2010, PowerPivot and Report Builder 3.0 are all strengthening Microsoft’s hold in the BI Market, covering more and more ground in aspects of Self Service BI and empowering the users.SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP is still available for download and the development team is still interested in your feedback about it.

Start the countdown…  

Free Virtual Conference on PowerPivot with Donald Farmer

Just in case you haven’t heard of them till now, SQL Server Worldwide Users Group (or SSWUG) hosts a great deal of information about all sorts of platforms – be it SQL Server, Oracle systems, MySQL etc. They also have a forum for your questions and a script library for your use. So why have I been talking on SSWUG? Because though they are hosting an event on PowerPivot (which I’ll talk about shortly), I think you should also consider them for additional information. 
And now – to PowerPivot! You’ve probably heard, read and watched demos about PowerPivot (formerly Gemini) by now. The new application on Excel 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2 should empower your users and give them self – service BI that they can share with the rest of the organization through SharePoint 2010. SSWUG is holding a virtual event with Donald Farmer from the Microsoft Business Intelligence team. Most chances are that the first demo you ever saw about PowerPivot – was given by him. The event will cover the following topics:
  • Getting started with PowerPivot
  • Insight and oversight: the IT perspective on PowerPivot
  • Power up your Pivots! Building sophisticated applications with PowerPivot
  • Beyond the desktop: PowerPivot in your business infrastructure
The virtual conference is also in a price you can afford – it’s free! ;)

Please check for further details on the virtual conference and registration on SSWUG’s PowerPivot Expo Event page.