Here is an exciting news for SQL Server 2008 R2 CTP users, DataPlatform-Insider blog confirms that ..will be listed on Microsoft’s May price list, and will be available by May 2010.

Before we conclude on few points I believe there is a need to get another instalment of 2008 R2 CTP release, inline the release with Visual Studio 2010 and make sure that features of Office 2010 can be utilized.

The excitement can become a vapour if there hasn't been a planning from Organizations and Microsoft to fill gaps that will ensure that input from the SQLCAT and TAP customers on the experiences of using these new features. There are few issues such as content gaps (difference between SQL 2008 & 2008 R2 versions) with a upfront budget for support/training. From the field my concern is for the Customers that are looking for upgrade from 2008 to 2008 R2, those who had just spent the money upgrading to 2008 are unlikely to spend the money for another upgrade in this economy. Another big point is upgrades from 2005 or 2000 are more likely. It is a trend that many customers are interested in shiny new features, they are also interested in knowing what old features to stop using (backward compatibility & breaking changes - I will cover this on seperate post).

So its not always marketing we need to focus, a plan should chalk out to ensure that what kind of changes needs another schedule of development for your application.

More to come.....