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RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

SQLRNNR — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:32:20 GMT

You're welcome. Just keep in mind that that information is based on the release of R2. Microsoft can change that as well as implement licensing procedures for the new product as they see fit. It would be best to consult with Microsoft or your License vendor to confirm.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

JJ B — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:29:58 GMT

Jason: Thanks for the head's up on the deadlines. I'll be passing that info onto my boss.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

Michael Valentine Jones — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:25:40 GMT

The only feature I have seen in SQL 2008 R2 that really looks worthwhile is Standard Edition backup compression.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

SQLRNNR — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:03:37 GMT

[quote][b]JJ B (4/12/2010)[/b][hr]To all those kind people with opinions about upgrading, I wonder what your thoughts are for people still on 2005? We want to upgrade but are uncertain which version to upgrade to. We don't really use the BI features. If we can get in at the lower cost for just 2008, would that make the most sense? I'll look for myself to see what R2 has. I'm just curious what you folks think since you've done some research yourself already.Thanks for any thoughts you have.[/quote]If you are going to upgrade, don't use the BI, and just want to go SQL 2008 - do it before May. Unless you already have the licenses for 2008 bought. After May, you will likely be required to buy the R2 licenses. At which point you might as well upgrade to R2.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

JJ B — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:02:17 GMT

I personally (as opposed to reasons from our organization) want to upgrade for two reasons: 1) I think the 2005 performance or perhaps just our implementation of it has been flakey. I'm hoping we will get rid of the weirdness with 2008. 2) I'm very interested in the new T-SQL options such as the MERGE statement and the files data type. I have a need for both.Is R2 expected to be any more "stable" than plain old 2008? (Or is that called R1? I don't like this naming convention. I think a new version should get a real new name. <side rant>)

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:58:30 GMT

In terms of cost, you would have to research your situation. 2008 was the same cost as 2005, but 2008 R2 has a price increase.Why do you want to upgrade? Are you concerned about support?

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

JJ B — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:55:04 GMT

To all those kind people with opinions about upgrading, I wonder what your thoughts are for people still on 2005? We want to upgrade but are uncertain which version to upgrade to. We don't really use the BI features. If we can get in at the lower cost for just 2008, would that make the most sense? I'll look for myself to see what R2 has. I'm just curious what you folks think since you've done some research yourself already.Thanks for any thoughts you have.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:58:00 GMT

I'll add another note to say if you aren't using the BI features, I'm not sure there's value in upgrading to R2

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

SQLRNNR — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:50:49 GMT

[quote][b]Brad M. McGehee (4/12/2010)[/b][hr][quote][b]Cyclone (4/12/2010)[/b][hr]Howdy ...Is R2 just a nice to have, or is it a necessity ?ciao.[/quote]I agree with CirquedeSQLeil. Only upgrade to R2 if you need the new BI-related features, otherwise stick to what you are successfully running now. On the other hand, if you are installing new SQL Server 2008 instances, you might consider going to R2 as you will be paying for a R2 license, unless you prefer to keep all your instances at the same level.[/quote]I would do the same as Brad here if installing a new Server - or you are required to buy new licenses.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

bradmcgehee@hotmail.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:47:01 GMT

[quote][b]Cyclone (4/12/2010)[/b][hr]Howdy ...Is R2 just a nice to have, or is it a necessity ?ciao.[/quote]I agree with CirquedeSQLeil. Only upgrade to R2 if you need the new BI-related features, otherwise stick to what you are successfully running now. On the other hand, if you are installing new SQL Server 2008 instances, you might consider going to R2 as you will be paying for a R2 license, unless you prefer to keep all your instances at the same level.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

bradmcgehee@hotmail.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:43:55 GMT

[quote][b]Nickson Asiimwe (4/12/2010)[/b][hr]if i am preparing for exams 70-433 and 70-451, should i expect questions relating to SQL Server 2008 R2?. would it be ok to use SQL server 2008 R2 books Online for my preparation?.[/quote]I have not heard if the Microsoft certification tests will be updated or not, although my guess is that they probably will not be updated. If anything, Microsoft might update the BI-related tests, but most likely not the non-BI-related tests.There is little difference between 2008 and 2008 R2 when it comes to the two tests you mention above, so it should make little difference which BOL you use to review for your tests.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

SQLRNNR — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:17:26 GMT

[quote][b]Cyclone (4/12/2010)[/b][hr]Howdy ...I have not really done much investigation into R2.We have just upgraded to SQL 2008 from SQL 2005. With our workload, I do not see us moving to R2 in the near future. In fact, if 2011 arrives on schedule, I do not see any reason why we would upgrade to R2.Is R2 just a nice to have, or is it a necessity ?ciao.[/quote]It depends on your business needs. Most of the upgrades (as I see it) are related to BI. Thus for me, R2 would only be a nice to have.I agree with you on the point about 2008 R2 v. 2011. I think I would rather skip R2 and go straight to 2011.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

Cyclone — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:09:18 GMT

Howdy ...I have not really done much investigation into R2.We have just upgraded to SQL 2008 from SQL 2005. With our workload, I do not see us moving to R2 in the near future. In fact, if 2011 arrives on schedule, I do not see any reason why we would upgrade to R2.Is R2 just a nice to have, or is it a necessity ?ciao.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

Nickson Asiimwe — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:06:05 GMT

if i am preparing for exams 70-433 and 70-451, should i expect questions relating to SQL Server 2008 R2?. would it be ok to use SQL server 2008 R2 books Online for my preparation?.

RE: Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

L' Eomot Inversé — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:46:50 GMT

Too many releases in too short a time. I'm not even fully up to speed on SQLS 2008 yet (to be honest, nowhere near fully up to speed) and 2008 R2 is on the verge of happening. If SQL Server 2011 is supposed to happen next year, I'll never catch up! Still, reading the SQLS 2008 R2 web pages won'tbe too much hard work, I hope.I guess I'll download the RTM trial version when it is available, and play with it to see what I make of it.

Are you preparing for SQL Server 2008 R2?

bradmcgehee@hotmail.com — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:50:51 GMT

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