After a wait of around 8 months, Microsoft has released SQL Server 2012 SP1.

Microsoft SQL Server team has released SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Both, the Service Pack and Feature Pack updates are available for download on the Microsoft Download Center. SQL Server 2012 SP1 contains fixes to issues. It includes all released CUs before the release of SP1. Service packs are very critical and important. It is very important from product upgrade & bug fixing point of view.

Obtain SQL Server 2012 SP1

• Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 SP1
• Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 SP1 Express
• Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 SP1 Feature Pack

What’s New in SQL Server 2012 (Top features)

· Cross-Cluster Migration of AlwaysOn Availability Groups for OS Upgrade

· Selective XML Index

· DBCC SHOW_STATISTICS works with SELECT permission

· New function returns statistics properties

· SSMS Complete in Express

· SlipStream Full Installation