Hey guys, we got another product release for you. Today Microsoft released SQL Server 2008 R2 to manufacturing! Customers can expect availability in the next few weeks through Microsoft’s distribution channels. For more information, visit www.sqlserverlaunch.com.

SQL Server 2008 R2 enhancements continue to support mission-critical workloads providing a trusted, scalable platform, increased developer and IT efficiency and managed self-service business intelligence reporting and analytics. It is for these very reasons that SQL Server 2008 R2 is setting records for performance and price/performance on industry standard benchmarks.

SQL Server 2008 R2, as part of Microsoft’s complete information platform, makes gathering, managing and using business information easier and more cost-effective for businesses. Some of the capabilities that customers and partners will benefit from including PowerPivot, Master Data Services, Application and Multi-server Management, Report Builder 3.0 and StreamInsight.

The customer engagement in the development process of SQL Server 2008 R2 was outstanding, with more than 300,000 downloads of the technology previews. Customers including Bank of New Zealand, PREMIER Bankcard, Studio Moderna and CareGroup Healthcare System are already taking advantage of the new scalability, BI and manageability features in SQL Server 2008 R2. Furthermore, more than 2,000 global ISVs are delivering applications worldwide. A few of these partners include SafeNet, Inc., Brocade, Stratus Technologies, Dassault Systèmes, ESRI and OSIsoft, LLC.

For more information on SQL Server 2008 and additional resources, click here.

Stay awesome,

Kyle Price

@kypr8