Microsoft SQL Server 2008 now available

Microsoft announced today, that SQL Server 2008 is now in the RTM (Release To Manufacturing) mode. Of course, this means that the RTM version of the venerable database is now available for download from TechNet and MSDN web sites.

The same DVD image contains versions for 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64) and IA-64 architectures. The basic editions are Standard, Enterprise and Developer, but also the Web, Express, Workgroup and Express with Advanced Services editions are available. SQL Server 2008 also supports installation to a Hyper-V virtualization environment on a Windows Server 2008 box.

Feature highlights in the new version include data compression and sparse columns, data encryption, better performance analysis tools, spatial data support and Resource Governor utility.