Good news! Starting today, you can download the August CTP of SQL Server 2008 R2 from MSDN or TechNet.

There are a heap of great reasons to go and try out SQL Server 2008.  If you are a DBA you want to see how much easier R2 will be to manage – and not just the servers, but data too. If you are struggling to get “one source of the truth, you should check out Master Data Services. If you are looking at BI, SQL Server 2008 R2 is not only an exciting new version, but the most compelling BI solution on the horizon (wait until SharePoint 2010 news starts hitting for it to get even better).

What are you waiting for? Download it now.  If you don’t have a machine (or VM) to install SQL Server 2008 R2 on, from tomorrow I recommend you try the hosted version of the CTP here.

If you have questions about the CTP – that is technical questions, you can connect with the SQL Server development team here, or if you just want to give feedback, you can do so on Connect here.

If, after you’ve had a play, you are interested in getting into the R2 Customer Evidence program, send an email to SQLR2EV@microsoft.com, and let me know as well so I can help you locally.

Full details are available on the Data Platform Insider Blog.