I just noticed that Microsoft released the free Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Hosted Trial virtual lab, giving access to a complete, integrated Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, SharePoint 2010, and Office 2010 environment, right from your desktop.
The marketing speak says: "Through the Hosted Trial lab environment, users can experience SQL Server 2008 R2’s new Business Intelligence and data management features without risk and without downloading, setting up, or configuring anything."
It sounds good. Take a look at http://www.previewsqlserver.com/.
Update: Please note that you get access for a 3 hour time period only.
posted @ Friday, April 23, 2010 12:31 AM