SSMS Tools Pack is a free add-in for Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 2005, 2008, 2008 R2 and their respective Express versions. It contains a few upgrades to the SSMS IDE that were thought to be missing. Current features include:
- SQL Snippets
- Window Connection Coloring
- Query Execution History and Current Window History
- Format SQL
- Search Table, View or Database Data
- Run one script on multiple databases
- Copy execution plan bitmaps to clipboard or file
- Search Results in Grid Mode
- Generate Insert statements from resultsets, tables or database
- Regions and Debug sections
- Running custom scripts from Object Explorer
- CRUD stored procedure generation
- New query template
SSMS Tools Pack Homepage
WebMatrix is a collection of tools that enable you to build websites using Windows. WebMatrix includes IIS Developer Express (a development Web server), ASP.NET (a Web framework), and SQL Server Compact (an embedded database). It streamlines website development and makes it easy to start websites from popular open-source apps. The skills and code you develop with WebMatrix transition seamlessly to Visual Studio and SQL Server.
WebMatrix is for developers, students, or just about anyone who just wants a small and simple way to build websites. Start coding, testing, and deploying your own websites without having to worry about configuring your own web server, managing databases, or learning a lot of concepts. WebMatrix makes website development easy.
WebMatrix Home Page
Introducing WebMatrix by Scott Gu
Microsoft has released to manufacturing SQL Server 2008 R2, the industry’s most complete information platform for managing, accessing and delivering information. SQL Server 2008 R2 will be available to customers in early May through Microsoft’s distribution and partner channels.
To celebrate this release, Microsoft and the Professional Association for SQL Server will host more than 85 live launch events worldwide. For customers and partners who cannot attend a live event, Microsoft is offering an online digital tour.
Key enhancements in this release include:
- Managed self-service business intelligence (BI) for reporting and analysis
- Enterprise-class scalability and greater IT efficiency
- Platform integration spanning the datacenter to the cloud
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FREE eBook
Microsoft has published another free ebook: Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner.
Part I – Database Administration
- Chapter 1 – SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions and Enhancements
- Chapter 2 – Multi-Server Administration
- Chapter 3 – Data-Tier Applications
- Chapter 4 – High Availability and Virtualization Enhancements
- Chapter 5 – Consolidation and Monitoring
Part II – Business Intelligence Development
- Chapter 6 – Scalable Data Warehousing
- Chapter 7 – Master Data Services
- Chapter 8 – Complex Event Processing with StreamInsight
- Chapter 9 – Reporting Services Enhancements
- Chapter 10 – Self-Service Analysis with PowerPivot
Microsoft Free eBook
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack, a collection of stand-alone install packages that provide additional value for SQL Server 2008, is now available for download. Features include:
- ADOMD.NET is a Microsoft .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.
- Analysis Management Objects (AMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer Analysis Services objects.
- Analysis Services 10.0 OLE DB Provider is a COM component that software developers can use to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.
- SQL Server Compact is a free, easy-to-use embedded database engine that lets developers build robust Microsoft Windows desktop and mobile applications that run on all Windows operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, Pocket PC, and Smartphone.
And many more features!
Download SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack
Service Pack 1 for SQL Server 2008 is now available for download. The update is a roll-up of cumulative updates 1 to 3, quick fix engineering updates, and other minor fixes requested by the SQL Server community. Key improvements in SP1 include:
- Slipstream enables administrators to install SQL Server 2008 and Service Pack 1 in a single instance. This decreases installation time and the number of reboots.
- Service Pack Uninstall enables administrators to uninstall the service pack separately from the database release.
- Report Builder 2.0 Click Once makes it easier to deploy reports to business users.
Download Service Pack 1 for SQL Server 2008
More info about SQL Server 2008
