Resources to Learn More about New Features in SQL Server code-named Denali CTP1

Well, as we all know, CTP1 release of SQL Server 2011 code-named Denali is around for sometime and there are many articles written by folks from SQL Server Community. I have put together a list of some of the major features along with the links to external resources like articles, white papers etc.

This post is more of a self note. However, it might help anyone else interested to learn more about Denali CTP1.

Database Engine Enhancements

• Programmability Enhancements
• Columnstore Indexes [More Information: Link1, White Paper]
• OFFSET N ROWS FETCH NEXT N ROWS ONLY (Extended ORDER BY Clause) for easy paging [More Information: Link1, Link2]
• Sequences for generating sequence numbers [More Information: Link1, Link2, Link3]
• Support for New Collation Type [More Information: Link1]
• Full-Text Search [More Information: Link1, Link2]
• Circular Arc Segment Support for Spatial Types [More Information: Link1, Link2, Link3]
• EXECUTE Statement [More Information: Link1]
• New THROW keyword to enhance error handling in TRY...CATCH blocks [More Information: Link1]
• New Collation Support  [More Information: Link1]
• New DMV's and DMF's [More Information: Link1]
• Performance Counter Changes [More Information: Link1]
• Security Enhancements
• Ability to Create New User-defined Server Roles [More Information: Link1, Link2]
• Introduction of New Encryption Algorithms - The HASHBYTES function now supports the SHA2_256, and SHA2_512 algorithms for encryption
• New Permissions [More Information: Link1]
• Manageability Enhancements
• Contained Databases for improved database portability [More Information: Link1, Link2, Link3]
• Startup Options [More Information: Link1]
• Usability Enhancements (SQL Server Management Studio - SSMS)
• Zoom Query Surface [More Information: Link1]
• Insert Snippet [More Information: Link1]
• Surround With [More Information: Link1]
• Floating Query Windows - Support for multiple monitors [More Information: Link1]
• Debugger Enhancements [More Information: Link1]
• Clipboard Ring [More Information: Link1, Link2]

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)

• Programmability Enhancements
• Project Improvements [More Information: Link1, Link2]
• Introduction of Reverse Engineering [More Information: Link1]
• Introduction of Parameters [More Information: Link1]
• Project Parameters
• Package Parameters
• Execute Package Task Improvements [More Information: Link1]
• Ability to execute SSIS Package from within T-SQL Scripts [More Information: Link1]
• Migration and Deployment
• Deployment Enhancements [More Information: Link1, Link2, Link3]
• Impact Analysis and Data Lineage
• Determining Impact and Data Lineage [More Information: Link1]
• Dependency Services [More Information: Link1]
• Usability Enhancements (Business Intelligence Development Studio - BIDS)
• SSIS Toolbox - New Categories, Organization, & Improved Descriptions [More Information: Link1, Link2, Link3]
• Flexible Authoring in the Data Flow Designer - Resolve References Editor [More Information: Link1, Link2]
• Source and Destination Assistants [More Information: Link1]
• Undo and Redo -  [More Information: Link1]
• Collapsible Grouping in the Data Flow Designer [More Information: Link1]
• Simplified Data Viewer Configuration [More Information: Link1]
• Zoom Package Design Surface [More Information: Link1]

Changes in Installation/Setup

• Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2008 RTM Operating Systems are Not Supported. [More Information: Link1]
• Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 2008 R2 & Windows 7. [More Information: Link1]

Deprecated Features in Denali

• Discontinued Database Engine Functionality in SQL Server "Denali"
• Discontinued Integration Services Functionality in SQL Server "Denali"

Additional Links

• SQL Server Code-Named "Denali" CTP1 Release Notes
• SQL Server Code-Named "Denali" CTP1 System Requirements
• SQL Server Code-Named "Denali" CTP1 Download
• SQL Server Code-Named "Denali" Books Online

Note: Don't install Denali BIDS side by side with a 2008 instance

In case there are any other interesting enhancements/features of Denali CTP1 or any other interesting articles related to the features of Denali CTP1, please let me know by leaving a comment so that I can update the above list accordingly for my reference as well as for the reference of my blog's readers.

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