It looks like we are getting close folks! The SQL Server team have just released the latest Beta...er, I mean Release Candidate for SQL Server 2008: Release Candidate Zero (0). Make sure that you send them feedback if you find any bugs, etc.
Here's what's in the Release Candidate (from the site):
SQL Server 2008 provides a comprehensive data platform that is secure, reliable, manageable, and scalable for your mission critical applications. With it, developers can create new applications that can store and consume any type of data on any device, enabling your users to make informed decisions with relevant insights.
SQL Server 2008 RC0 will automatically expire after 180 days.
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Here's the download Instructions/Options:
SQL Server 2008 RC0 is available in two downloadable formats: a DVD image file that you can use to burn your own DVD, and a self-extracting executable file you can download and install without a DVD burner.
For DVD image files:
Using your DVD-burning software, select the options to burn a DVD from an .ISO image. When you are prompted for a file to use, select the image file that you downloaded. After burning the DVD, locate and double-click Setup.exe on the DVD to begin the installation.
For self-extracting executable files:
Double-click the downloaded file. At the prompt, select a directory and click Next. When the self-extraction step is finished, locate and double-click Setup.exe in your selected directory to begin installation of SQL Server 2008 RC0.
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 with the following links. To download and install the Express and Express Advanced editions, use the instructions at the end of this section. SQL Server 2008 RC0 is available in Enterprise, Standard, Evaluation, and Express editions. Use the downloaded file to install SQL Server 2008 RC0, entering the corresponding product key to unlock the edition you want. SQL Server 2008 Enterprise: A comprehensive data platform that meets the high demands of enterprise online transaction processing and data warehousing applications. Unlock SQL Server 2008 Enterprise with the following key: MQWT2-9MKBY-K8PXQ-6K4BW-TY4BD.
SQL Server 2008 Standard: Complete data management and business intelligence platform, providing best-in-class ease of use and manageability for running departmental applications. Unlock SQL Server 2008 Standard with the following key: XP4FP-3VTDK-37TWH-TW77J-9MFM3.
SQL Server 2008 Evaluation: Trial version to build and test any type of application. It includes all of the functionality of SQL Server 2008 Enterprise, but is licensed only for development, test, and demo use. (No product key is required to unlock. This is the default version).
Follow the instructions below to download and install the SQL Server Express and SQL Server Express Advanced. SQL Server 2008 Express: Fully functional edition is ideal for learning and running desktop and small server database applications. SQL Server 2008 Express supports 1 CPU, 1 GB of RAM and databases that are up to 4GB in size. (No product key is required). SQL Server Express is only available in the self-extracting format. Run the download file to copy the installation files to a pre-install directory. Double-clicking the executable files will automatically extract to Temp and setup will be started once extraction is complete. There is no need to locate and start setup.exe manually.
SQL Server 2008 Express Advanced: Fully functional entry level data management and reporting platform ideal for learning and building desktop and small server applications. (No product key is required). The download file format and starting the installation process are identical to SQL Express.
Enjoy,
~Robert Shelton
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