SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP has numerous new and enhanced features. This document provides the information you need to fully take advantage of these features.

For Analysis Services, numerous enhancements have been added to the PowerPivot field list. These include automatic relationship detection when columns from unrelated tables are used in a PivotTable; support for searching fields by name; and support for named sets. Targeted support for additional data sources has also been added.

For the Database Engine, manageability enhancements have been made. These include the ability to connect to SQL Azure; data-tier application upgrades; enhanced functionality for SQL Server Utility features; and deprecation of the VIA protocol. For Reporting Services, SharePoint integration has several new features. Additional enhancements include shared datasets and cache refresh plans; new data visualization report items; enhancements to Reporting Services features that were included in previous releases of SQL Server 2008; Business Intelligence Development Studio support for SQL Server 2008 reports and report server objects; and a new Web Service endpoint that can support management operations of the report server in both native mode and SharePoint integrated mode.

For Service Broker, you now have the option to turn poison message handling on and off.
Master Data Services is a new component. You use Master Data Services to manage your organization's master data, and to maintain a record of that data.

Download SQL Server 2008 R2

Download details What's New in SQL Server 2008 R2 November Community Technology Preview (CTP)

Send via e-mail | Submit to Digg | Add to Live Favorites