Get An Early Start with SQL Server 'Denali' -- Visual Studio Magazine

Data Driverby David Ramel

Get An Early Start with SQL Server 'Denali'

Microsoft announced that developers can get help with building early, real-world projects with the next version of SQL Server, code named "Denali," through the Metro Early Adoption Program.

Denali, expected by many to be released later this year and sometimes unofficially known as SQL Server 2011, was issued last fall as a Community Technology Preview. It features enhancements such as a high-availability component called Always On, a "column-based query accelerator" and the capability to "allow for the creation of so-called columnar indexes over relational databases," as explained by Andrew J. Brust on Redmond Developer News.

And, of special interest to developers: it will provide a new unified Visual Studio IDE that's being called "Juneau."

Microsoft is seeking to get more developers onboard with Denali and started on real projects that will help them put some positive spin on the new version come release time. All you need to apply to the Metro Early Adoption program is a Windows Live ID and willingness to sign a non-disclosure agreement, Microsoft senior technical evangelist Roger Doherty announced in his blog Monday.

"You will be asked to provide some details about your company and your early adoption project," Doherty said. "We review each nomination that comes in and approve the solutions we think will have the best chance of showcasing SQL Server Denali improvements during the launch wave."

He said early adopters would get access to:

Confidential online meetings with SQL Server teams.
DeepDive developer labs, with assistance from the SQL Server engineering team.
Beta support.
Training events.
A ready-to-go, dedicated virtual Sandbox learning and testing environment.

You can get more information in a Channel 9 video featuring Doherty and colleague Steve DiMarco or the Microsoft Denali page.

Will you be applying? Are you looking forward to the new SQL Server or are you overwhelmed by a new version too soon after 2008 R2? Comment here or drop me a line.

Posted by David Ramel on 03/23/2011

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