I started this blog a few weeks ago when I heard rumors that CTP3 was coming soon, but figured that I should probably wait until it is released…Hit the forward button…check…Make some modifications to blog…check…

It is July 12^th, 2011 and finally…After months of waiting for SQL Server 2011 (Denali) CTP3 to be released, we have a download link. Now it’s time to start playing with the latest and greatest, so carve out a machine to install it on and get playing. J I know that I’m not the only one who feels like it is Christmas time in July! Thank you (in advance) Microsoft for releasing today! Hopefully, if all goes well, I’ll have this installed on one of my machines at home before I hit the rack.

Download here: https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLDCTP3CTA/enus/default.aspx

There are x64 and x86 evaluation versions available, so be sure to download the version that you need. Also, Teo Lachev released a blog a few days ago with a link to CTP3 Release Notes. You will need to log into your Windows Live account to view, but here is a link to Teo’s blog.

Have fun! And if you don’t already, please be sure to follow me on twitter at @briankmcdonald. Also note that you can subscribe to an RSS feed of my blogs or find me using any of the below methods.