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The wait is finally over. Microsoft has today released the long awaited successor to the 2005 version in the form of SQL Server 2008. The lucky MSDN and TechNet subscribers can now immediately download this latest edition to the SQL Server family while others can try Express edition for free at SQL Server 2008 Overview, data platform, store data | Microsoft

Excerpt From Microsoft PressPass:

Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing of Microsoft SQL Server 2008, the new version of the company’s acclaimed data management and business intelligence platform. This version of SQL Server provides powerful new capabilities such as support for policy-based management, auditing, large-scale data warehousing, geospatial data, and advanced reporting and analysis services. SQL Server 2008 provides the trusted, productive and intelligent platform necessary for business-critical applications.

“Microsoft developed this release of SQL Server with the customer in mind,” said Ted Kummert, corporate vice president of the Data and Storage Platform Division at Microsoft. “SQL Server 2008 is the only major database that includes comprehensive, tightly integrated functionality for data management as well as advanced business intelligence out of the box. By offering a complete solution, we save customers time and money and allow them to focus on deriving the most value from their data assets.”

SQL Server 2008 is available in following editions:

• SQL Server 2008 Enterprise

• SQL Server 2008 Standard

• SQL Server 2008 Workgroup

• SQL Server 2008 Web

• SQL Server 2008 Developer

• SQL Server 2008 Express

• SQL Server Compact 3.5

SQL Server 2008 was originally scheduled to ship with Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Server 2008 in this years HEROES launch event but since SQL Server 2008 wasnt ready for prime time in February, it was slipped to release in Q4 of 2008.

View: Microsoft Press Release
Download: Download SQL Server 2008 Express
Link: Redmond Pie