SQL Server 2008 R2 Released

Well I guess the rumors had it right, because the first day of PASS Europe, Microsoft announced the release to manufacturing of SQL Server 2008 R2. The main attraction, for me at least, will be PowerPivot (and DAX) and Report Builder 3.0 (with its shared datasets, maps and new calculations).

Now, if you have a one  track mind like me, first thing you would look for is SQL Server 2008 R2 Express editions, or in plain English - the free versions! Well, if you live in the US, then look no further my dears as it is also available for download (as well as the full versions, but they're just for 180 days). For the rest of us, (including me), we'll just have to wait till May 2010... Oh well.

So go take SQL Server 2008 R2 for a spin - because it's about time!