SQL Server "Denali" CTP3 is out

The next verison of SQL Server is in the works, and probably sometime next year, we will see the RTM version of the product ready for downloading. So far, I've been perfectly happy with SQL Server 2008 R2 (which has so far filled all my database needs), but what actually excites me even more in the next version "Denali", are the improved development tools.

SQL Server Management Studio or SSMS has for a long time been based on Visual Studio, but so far, only up to version 2008. In Denali, SSMS will be Visual Studio 2010 based, which of course in itself brings many improvements, like code snippets and other IntelliSense goodies, better multi-monitor support, free zooming in the code editor and so on.

Microsoft has also added support for HADR (High Availability and Disaster Recovery) and the so-called Express LocalDB, both of which should be well-received features once the final product is in the hands of developers. If you want to get started with Denali's current community technology preview (CTP), you can download your copy https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLDCTP3CTA/enus/