November 17, 2011 - Redmond, WA - Well, we knew it was coming, but the timing was a bit of a surprise for the Microsoft SQL MVP community, who usually has a jump start on the impending SQL Server releases.  Since it was announced recently at the PASS Summit 2011, when SQL 11, aka Denali, was replaced by it's official name and version, SQL Server 2012, we have been anticipating this for a long time.  Nonetheless, it is welcome news for the SQL Community at-large, and hope that it is an indication of a final release soon to come, early in 2012.  In addition, this release is stated as being cloud-ready.  So, be sure to dowload it and give it a try!

More details on the release and how to download can be found here: Download Microsoft 2012 RC0

{UPDATE:} Here is the link to the official SQL Server Team blog, on details of the release. (Click on the highlighted hyperlink)

You can learn about SQL Server 2012 and the latest editions that are coming.  The big news is that Microsoft is releasing a NEW Business Intelligence Edition.  Read More on SQL 2012 Editions here.

Moreover, you need to pay special attention to the new licensing structure, that is sure to be abuzz in many Microsoft SQL Shops around the world!  Basically, Microsoft is creating a new licensing structure based on cores, rather than per processor or per-socket pricing, which also affects how companies will implement SQL Server on VMs as well.  With the new hardware increasing the number of potential cores, will the new licensing be controversial (and more expensive)?  Here's one article that talks about the New Licensing Structure in SQL 2012.  Here is another informative article from Visual Studio Magazine that talks about the new licensing, and how to transition from your current licensing infrastructure: New Editions and Pricing for SQL 2012.

There certainly have been many changes since they released Denali CTP3 - See my blog on Dancing with Denali, CTP3, Product Guide and More

Here are the highlights and product overview for SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate from Microsoft:

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 RC0 enables a cloud-ready information platform that will help organizations unlock breakthrough insights across the organization as well as quickly build solutions and extend data across on-premises and public cloud backed by capabilities for mission critical confidence.

SQL Server 2012 RC0 enables a cloud-ready information platform that will help organizations unlock breakthrough insights across the organization as well as quickly build solutions and extend data across on-premises and public cloud backed by capabilities for mission critical confidence:

• Deliver required uptime and data protection with AlwaysOn
• Gain breakthrough & predictable performance with ColumnStore Index
• Help enable security and compliance with new User-defined Roles and Default Schema for Groups
• Enable rapid data discovery for deeper insights across the organization with ColumnStore Index
• Ensure more credible, consistent data with SSIS improvements, a Master Data Services add-in for Excel, and new Data Quality Services
• Optimize IT and developer productivity across server and cloud with Data-tier Application Component (DAC) parity with SQL Azure and SQL Server Data Tools for a unified dev experience across database, BI, and cloud functions

In addition, Microsoft teamed up with PASS (Professional Association of SQL Server), and announced a special-ops tour that is taking the launch of SQL Server 2012 to a 12-city roadshow tour!  The best part is, they are calling out to SQL Server Professionals to choose the cities that will be visitied.  Here is there blurb:  Read More...

"IT'S GO TIME. Valuable SQL Server 2012 technical insights and training are coming to you this March in a 12-city roadshow. Our goal is to present special ops training applicable to SQL Professional operatives across America. This is your tour - you can become a hero in our special ops team by completing the short survey, and stay tuned for more."

I'm certain there are many unanswered questions, that we will get the answers to as we go along.  But, in the meanwhile, go ahead and download and see for yourself!

2012 is shaping up to be an exciting year for SQL Server, the world-over.  (No prophetic pun intended 🙂  More info as we find out...