SQL Server 2008 R2: November CTP Feature Pack

Microsoft provides some cool features to help get the most out of SQL

To ensure that SQL Server continues to live up to the promised hype. Micorsoft has released the Novemebr CTP feature pack. The feature pack is a collection of packages that will help to expand and improve SQL Server 2008 R2. Some useful packages that I saw in the CTP are:

• The SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) - which will allow developers to create client side applications that can be used to manage and administer SQL Server instances.
• PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server 2008 R2 -  Using the SMO, this package will allow you to manage SQL instances by using Powershell cmdlets. The extensions allow SQL Admins to used cmdlets to execute T-SQL scripts or evaluate SQL Server policies.
• SQL Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Advisor - will anaylyze instances of SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008. To ensure preparedness and a smooth transition into SQL Server 2008 R2. The advisor identifies and features and confiugration changes and provides useful links to help move an instance successfully.
• SQL Server Reporting Services Add-in for SharePoint 2007 & SharePoint 2010 - While allowing you to take advantage of report processing and management in the SharePoint 2007 package. The SharePoint 2010 package provides: Multizone support, SharePoint list support and Ribbon User experience. Making the most of Reporting Services by adding SharePoint collaborative features.

The Novemebr CTP Feature Pack is full of some great tools to really extend the usefulness of SQL Server 2008 R2. To see the full set of features and download the packages visit Microsoft’s Download’s

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