SQL Server 2008 Videos, Webcasts, Courses, Datasheets, and Downloads

SQL Server 2008 is just around the corner, along with a lot of other releases from Microsoft. The SQL Server 2008 team is doing a pretty good job of get the information out in easy to digest formats. I have compiled a list of some of the best below:

Courses:
Clinic 7045: What's New in Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008
Description:
In this clinic, you will learn about the new and enhanced features included in SQL Server 2008. You will explore the new data types and the data management features. Additionally, you will learn about the enhanced Integration Services, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services included in SQL Server 2008. This online clinic is composed of a rich multimedia experience.

To get the most out of this clinic, it is recommended that you have:
Knowledge of general SQL database concepts that are largely independent of a specific version of SQL Server.
Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 features.
Knowledge of deploying and upgrading database solutions.
Knowledge of how to solve performance issues related to SQL Server hardware.
Performed the job role of a SQL Server 2005 database administrator or database developer.
Product or technology experience in Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or SQL Server 2005.

Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
Describe the features of SQL Server 2008 and their benefits.
Describe the features of enterprise data platform that help you to secure data in applications.
Describe the dynamic development features that facilitate the development of database applications.
Describe the features of SQL Server 2008 that provide data storage solutions beyond relational databases.
Describe the enhanced features in SSIS that help you to integrate data effectively.
Describe the enhanced features in SSAS that help you to improve the BI infrastructure.
Describe the enhanced features in SSRS that help you to improve the scalability of the reporting engine.

Take the course here.

Videos:
SQL Server Platform Vision

Enterprise Data Platform Vision
SQL Server 2008 will provide a more secure, reliable and manageable enterprise data platform.

Beyond Relational
SQL Server 2008 will enable developers and administrators to save time by allowing them to store and consume any type of data from XML to documents.

SQL Server BI Vision
SQL Server 2008 provides a more scalable infrastructure that enables IT to drive business intelligence throughout the organization.

Dynamic Development
SQL Server 2008 along with .NET Framework 3.0 will accelerate the development of the next generation of applications.

Webcasts:
TechNet Webcast: The Next Release of Microsoft SQL Server: Overview
This session provides an overview of the next release of Microsoft SQL Server that is currently under development. We cover the core value proposition, major themes and scenarios, and some specific improvements. We also discuss the new development processes Microsoft is using to build this release, the release timeline, and the disclosure calendar. SQL Server 2008 Overview: On-demand webcast (Direct Download)

SQL Server Code Name "Katmai" Data Management Overview
Attend this session to gain an overview of Microsoft SQL Server code name "Katmai," the next generation of SQL Server. SQL Server "Katmai" provides an enterprise data platform for your mission-critical applications, while providing a dynamic development environment and comprehensive business intelligence (BI) platform. Join us as we discuss the key features available in the next version of SQL Server.


Live Webcasts
An Overview of Manageability in Microsoft SQL Server 2008
In this webcast, we focus on the database engine in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to teach you more about what is in store for policy-driven administration and performance data collection and analysis. For your organization to thrive in today's world of data, you need a vision to address your data explosion needs. Join this session to see the exciting new manageability features in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 that target these needs while reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).

Data Warehousing Enhancements in Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Join this webcast to learn about the enhancements for data warehousing in the next version of Microsoft SQL Server. We discuss how Microsoft SQL Server 2008 provides a comprehensive, scalable data warehouse platform that enables you to quickly build a data warehouse. By integrating all relevant data into a comprehensive warehouse platform, SQL Server 2008 empowers you to manage your growing data volumes with an enterprise-ready relational database and deliver actionable insights with the integration of the Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) platform.

Going Beyond Relational Data with Microsoft SQL Server 2008
As the data your applications work with changes from "words and numbers" to "sights and sounds," we are evolving our data platform to go beyond relational data, beyond online analytical processing (OLAP), to truly support all of the digital data types of the future. We strive to deliver the best platform for integrated storage and advanced applications, such as spatial data. We also make it dramatically easier for you to build data-driven applications, without needing to invest significant resources to bridge the gap between data and programming language data structures. Join this webcast to learn about the new enhancements in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 that can help you manage all types of data.

Datasheets:
SQL Server 2008 Datasheet
SQL Server 2008 Product Overview

SQL Server 2008 CTP
Download the SQL Server 2008 CTP here
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