SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Ships

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SQL08r2_h_rgbSQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1(SP1) is now available for download. Highlights in the new service pack include greater supportability in "dynamic management views," improved query performance through a "ForceSeek" feature, improved upgrades via Data-tier Application Component Framework, and better disk space control for Excel’s PowerPivot.

For more information, see the SQL Team Blog posting SQL Server Code Name “Denali” CTP3 and SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 are HERE.

SQL Server 2008 R2 service packs are cumulative updates and upgrade all service levels of SQL Server 2008 R2 to SP1.

You can use these packages to upgrade any of the following SQL Server 2008 R2 editions:

  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition and Developer Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Web Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Workgroup Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Edition

You can download the Service Pack from Microsoft® SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 from Microsoft Download.

What’s New in SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1

  • Dynamic Management Views for increased supportability:
    • sys.dm_exec_query_stats DMV is extended with additional columns to improve supportabilities over troubleshooting long-running queries. New DMVs and XEvents on select performance counters are introduced to monitor OS configurations and resource conditions related to the SQL Server instance.
  • ForceSeek for improved querying performance :
    • Syntax for FORCESEEK index hint has been modified to take optional parameters allowing it to control the access method on the index even further. Using old style syntax for FORCESEEK remains unmodified and works as before. In addition to that, a new query hint, FORCESCAN has been added. It complements the FORCESEEK hint allowing specifying ‘scan’ as the access method to the index. No changes to applications are necessary if you do not plan to use this new functionality.
  • Data-tier Application Component Framework (DAC Fx) for improved database upgrades:
      • The new Data-tier Application (DAC) Framework v1.1 and DAC upgrade wizard enable the new in-place upgrade service for database schema management. The new in-place upgrade service will upgrade the schema for an existing database in SQL Azure and the versions of SQL Server supported by DAC. A DAC is an entity that contains all of the database objects and instance objects used by an application. A DAC provides a single unit for authoring, deploying, and managing the data-tier objects. For more information, see Designing and Implementing Data-tier Applications.
  • Disk space control for PowerPivot:
    • This update introduces two new configuration settings that let you determine how long cached data stays in the system. In the new Disk Cache section on the PowerPivot configuration page, you can specify how long an inactive database remains in memory before it is unloaded. You can also limit how long a cached file is kept on disk before it is deleted.

Bruce D. KyleISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

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