Microsoft Delivers SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse and the next version of SQL Server, SQL Server Code-Named “Denali”

PASS Summit 2010 is upon us and today marks a big milestone for Microsoft in the information platform space. We’re excited to be announcing pivotal advancements to Microsoft SQL Server today from the event keynote, including the general availability of the  much anticipated SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse, plans for the next generation of SQL Server, Code-Named “Denali”,  and the availability of the first community technology preview (CTP) of “Denali.”  All of today’s news truly represents Microsoft’s leadership in enterprise data warehousing and continued commitment to drive innovation that delivers confidence for customers aimed at one of their most valued assets – their information.

 
The general availability of SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse, coupled with the Microsoft Critical Advantage Program (MCAP), is a true asset for companies with mission critical needs.  The program was specifically designed to minimize risks for mission critical applications across their lifecycle. The offering delivers high performance through a massively parallel processing architecture (MPP) and massive scalability for low total cost of ownership. “Customers need a single view and access point to information across the enterprise without performance impact,” said Paul Miller, vice president, Solutions and Strategic Alliances, Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking at HP. “HP Enterprise Data Warehouse Appliance, which is built on HP Converged Infrastructure and optimized for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse, improves data access with massive scalability and faster query times than traditional SQL Server databases.”
 
Please continue to check the SQL Server Team Blog for additional posts about SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse.
 

Also today, Microsoft unveiled the next generation of SQL Server, which showcases continued commitment to providing a trusted, scalable platform supporting mission critical workloads and offering increased developer and IT efficiency and managed self-service BI. The first CTP of SQL Server Code-Named “Denali” is available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers today. To download and give feedback, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/product-info/future-editions.aspx

 
Please continue to check the SQL Server Team Blog for additional posts about new SQL Server Code-Named “Denali” features and information

 

And lastly, this morning, Microsoft has announced the following:
  • Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program for SQL Server Experts. Microsoft is announcing a revised program for SQL Server experts to achieve MCM certification at a lower cost and with more flexibility. The expansion of the new SQL Microsoft Certified Master program provides broad availability to those who want to differentiate themselves is the competitive IT market.  It offers validation of deep technical know-how and mission-critical skills demonstrated through passing the intensive certification exams.  To learn more, please click here.

·         Microsoft Codename “Atlanta,” a new cloud service for overseeing SQL Server configuration to ensure best operational practices. The secure cloud service can help IT to proactively avoid configuration problems and rapidly resolve identified issues through step by step guidance. Learn more about Atlanta: www.microsoftatlanta.com

 

The PASS 2010 event is currently being held through November 11th in Seattle, Wash. To learn more about PASS, please click here and to join the conversation on Twitter, use the #sqlpass and #denali hashtags. To view the event press release, please click here, and to visit the SQL Server PressPass site, please click here. 

 

As a reminder, Quentin Clark, the GM for Database Systems Group will be on stage tomorrow at 8:45 am Pacific Time, to take more of a deep-dive approach around SQL Server codename “Denali,” with an hour packed of exciting new demos covering future features. To stream the keynote live, click here.