So SQL is a WEE bit late, I know :)  But hey, it's here!  Get more info on what is new and how to download a free trial here: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx 

 And as an added bonus the developer team was able to release the Visual Studio Team System SP1, and the .NET team released the 3.5 SP1 too.  One of the coolest facts about this release is that unlike most Service Packs, this release includes a SLEW of great new customer requested features in addition to some bug fixes and performance improvements.  A few highlights include:

• The New Entity Framework
• Easier data-driven programming
• Faster, easier deployments of Windows applications

Some Interesting FAQs

What do Visual Studio 2008 SP1 and the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 include? 

The .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 delivers:

• Performance increases between 20-45% for WPF-based applications – without having to change any code
• WCF improvements that give developers more control over the way they access data and services.
• Streamlined installation experience for client applications
• Improvements in the area of data platform, such as the ADO.NET Entity Framework, ADO.NET Data Services  and extensive support for SQL Server 2008’s new features. 

Visual Studio 2008 SP1 delivers:

• Improved designers for building WPF applications
• Full support for SQL Server 2008 (formerly known as SQL Server Katmai)
• ADO.NET Entity Framework and ADO.NET Data Services tooling
• Visual Basic and Visual C++ components and tools (including an MFC-based Office 2007 style ‘Ribbon’)
• Improvements to TFS to respond to customer feedback on version control usability and performance, improved email integration with work item tracking and full support for hosting on SQL 2008.
• Improvements for Web development including richer JavaScript support, enhanced AJAX and data tools, and Web site deployment.

When will the service packs be available? Where can I go to download it?

Download the .NET 3.5 SP1 here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ab99342f-5d1a-413d-8319-81da479ab0d7&displaylang=en 

Is it compatible with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008?

Yes

What are the supported operating systems for the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1?

Supported Operating Systems include: Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows XP and others.