The MS SQL Server 2008 CTP (version 10) is now available to download. Remember that this is a community technical preview. The Microsoft team will use your feedback to refine and enhance the product and off course it expires in 180 days. You will need at least XP with service pack 2 to get it running, it also works on Vista, 2K3 and 2K8.
Download SQL Server 2008 CTP
Visual Studio 2005/2008 does not support SQL Server 2008, however, you can download the necessary updates that will give you the support. Download VS2005 support here and VS2008 support here and YES you can install both on the same machine side by side.
There are also some minor information here about what's new with MSSQL2008.
Why I'm happy
- I'm really happy about the "Store Any Information" section, it seems date only and time only data types have been introduced in MSSQL 2008 - its about time!
- Hierarchy ID: Oh, who hasn't been waiting for this? Parents and Child relationship are about to be simplified.
- File Stream data: Allows you to store large data directly to the hard disk - sweet!
- Sparse Columns: No more "Stay away from NULLable columns" - with sparse columns, NULL data consumes no physical space.
- Transparent Data Encryption, encrypts your entire database without any need for application changes, transparent it is! Did someone mention safe?
- Built in auditing, no need to build your auditing system within your database architecture, I'm really curious on how this will work.
- LINQ and ADO.Net, C# -> SQL. I'm really weary about this, I don't really support the idea of making the thin line between applications and database any thinner.
- Backup Compression: Yes, we want those backups compressed, less money spent of third party tools.
- MERGE SQL statement: hmm Oracle or what?
- MS Office 2008 Integration, not a big fan of office, however, it will be interesting to see office put/pull data/reports to and from MSSQL2008.