The Community Tech Preview (CTP) of SQL Server 2008 is now ready for download. Find out more about the CTP and download it here. Chances are that if you're reading the VE blog that you care most about the new Spatial data types and Index which you can read more about in this whitepaper or Isaac's Blog.

Click here to view the full post.

Here's a direct link to the Download Center --
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server 2008, the next release of Microsoft SQL Server, provides a comprehensive data platform that is more secure, reliable, manageable and scalable for your mission critical applications, while enabling developers to create new applications that can store and consume any type of data on any device, and enabling all your users to make informed decisions with relevant insights.

This CTP will automatically expire after 180 days.

Register for a Guided Evaluation Experience

• IT Professionals: Register on TechNet Evaluation Center to receive SQL Server 2008 resources specifically selected for IT Professionals.
• Developers: Register on MSDN Evaluation Center to receive SQL Server 2008 resources specifically selected for Developers.

Note: You can also try a CTP version of SQL Server 2008 Express Edition. This free, fully functional edition of SQL Server 2008 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. This software also automatically expires after 180 days.