SQL Server 2008 - February CTP (6) released

New stuff to play around: Microsoft released CTP 6 of SQL Server 2008.

BI Demo VPC

The BI demo VPC is a VPC with all the Microsoft BI related products preinstalled and configured. The VPC is bulk loaded with samples, presenter scripts and many more.

The latest version (5.1) contains the RTM version of Performance Point Server and Softartisans Officewriter. I have been using this VPC in demos and trainings for quite some time now. The VPC is now available as a public download.

If you wanna get a jumpstart on Microsoft BI, without going through the installation jungle (SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS, PPS, Sharepoint, ...) this is a must have download.


Downloads: Part1 and Part2.

This is the full list of preinstalled sofware:

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007
Microsoft Office Visio 2007
Microsoft Office Project 2007
Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer 2007
Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server 2007
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 w/ Service Pack 1
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 w/ Service Pack 2 (w/ SSIS, SSAS, SSRS)
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Data Mining Add-ins
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SharePoint Integration Add-in
ProClarity Analytics Server 6.3
ProClarity Dashboard Server 6.3
ProClarity Desktop Professional 6.3
ProClarity Web Professional 6.3
Microsoft PerformancePoint Planning Server 2007
Microsoft PerformancePoint Monitoring Server 2007
Microsoft PerformancePoint Dashboard Designer
Microsoft PerformancePoint Planning Add-In for Excel
Microsoft PerformancePoint Planning Business Modeler
Project REAL Reference Implementation
SoftArtisans OfficeWriter 3.8.1 and Designer
BI Demo Files
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Samples
Microsoft SQL Server BI Metadata Samples
Performance Point Planning Samples/Labs
Visual Studio 2005 Tools for Office Second Edition

Next SQLUG.BE event on linked servers and SQL Server on SAP

We opened registration for our next SQLUG.BE evening.

We will have 2 sessions:

Session 1: "linked servers" in Sql Server given by Michel Ulens

Abstract:
MS SQL Server has been enjoying increasing popularity as a database platform. But of course, many organizations have other RDB platforms installed. Linked servers provide an elegant solution for organizations wanting to integrate MS SQL server apps with other (legacy) RDB platforms. We'll demonstrate how to accomplish this by linking to an Oracle database, and giving a clear example of how to extend the power and flexibility of your database needs.

Level: 200

Session 2: "SAP on Sql Server" given by Guy Germompre

Abstract:
Het gebruik van SQLserver onder SAP. Wat is SAP? Hoe maakt SAP gebruik van een database? Welke voordelen kunnen klanten hierbij halen? De verregaande integratie tussen SAP en Microsoft op vlak van database beheer.

Level: 200


Agenda:
18:00 - 18:30 Welcome with a drink
18:30 - 18:40 Intro
18:40 - 20:00 Session 1
20:00 - 20:30 Pause
20:30 - 21:30 Session 2
21:30 - 22:00 drink & sandwich

Location:
Delaware Consulting
Uitbreidingstraat 2 - 8
2600 Berchem

A route description can be found here.

Registration is needed, registration is open.

Registration will be closed on March 24

Heroes Happen Here

The marketing launch (February 27th) of SQL Server 2008 is just a few days away. The Belgian launch of SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Server2008 will take place on March 11th, in Ghent.

On March 12th and 13th things get a little more technical with the revamped TechDays. There are quite a few sessions on both SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008. The full agenda can be found here.

Looking forward to see you there.