AnilDesai.net

Cloud Computing, Virtualization, .NET / SQL Server Development; Consultant / Author / Speaker

Archive for August, 2008

SQL Server 2008 RTM Requires Visual Studio 2008 SP1

Aug 7

Posted by Anil Desai in Databases / SQL Server, Development | 2 Comments

While SQL Server 2008 has reached the release (RTM) stage, there’s a potential gotcha that’s going to prevent many of us from upgrading right away.  The issue is that the SQL Server 2008 installer requires you to have installed Service Pack 1 for Visual Studio 2008 in order to complete the setup process.  If you can’t yet meet this requirement, you’ll receive the following error message:

A previous release of Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 is installed on this computer. Upgrade Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 to the SP1 before installing SQL Server 2008.

The issue is described in Microsoft Article 956139: Visual Studio 2008 SP1 may be required for SQL Server 2008 installations.  Unfortunately, the article seems to leave out an important point: The release version of Visual Studio 2008 SP1 is not yet available (you can download and install the Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Service Pack 1 Beta, but it won’t meet the installation requirement).  So what can you do? 

It looks like we’ll all have to wait until the final release of VS 2008 SP1.  You can also read more about what features are included in the update at the VS 2008 SP Beta site.  Microsoft currently states that it will be available by August 11th, so it shouldn’t be too much longer.  Still, a better-coordinated release process (and bigger warnings) would have been helpful.

SQL Server 2008 Final Release Available

Aug 7

Posted by Anil Desai in Databases / SQL Server, Development | No Comments

After what seems like an eternity in development, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 has finally been released.  That’s right – this latest version is not a beta version, a CTP, an RC, or anything of the sort.  MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers can download the RTM bits now.  Physical media should make it’s way to users within the next few weeks.  Here are some links to articles that might help smooth the transition to SQL Server 2008:

That should be plenty of leisure reading to get everyone up to speed on the latest version of SQL Server.  While there’s no rush to upgrade many existing installations, the list of improvements and new features in the latest version provides some compelling reasons to do so.

One note of warning: If you’re running Visual Studio 2008, you might have to wait a few more days before you can install or upgrade to SQL Server 2008.  I’ll post about that separately.

Webcast: Virtualization Backups – Products and Processes

Aug 1

Posted by Anil Desai in Backup / Disaster Recovery, Management, Virtualization, Webcasts | No Comments

My webcast, Options for backup in Microsoft virtualization platforms: Best of products and processes, sponsored by Dell, Inc. is now available for free download (registration is required).  Here’s the abstract:

Virtualization expert Anil Desai explores backup products and capabilities in Microsoft virtual environments. This webcast will look at Windows-based features and options for performing backups, as well as the capabilities of other products such as Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager.

Users of Microsoft Virtual Server and the upcoming Hyper-V platform have several different approaches for protecting their virtual machines. This webcast will look at Windows-based features and options for performing backups, as well as the capabilities of other products such as Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager. The presentation will help attendees determine which backup method is most appropriate for each type of workload, and their options for meeting those requirements.