I'm running SQL Server 2005, having moved to it from MySQL. I want to know if I'd be better off waiting for a future release and leapfrogging SQL Server 2008. How long off is the next version likely to be?
asked
When is the next version of SQL Server due?
SQL Server 2008 R2 is in CTP currently, and due for release sometime in the first half of 2010 (from microsoft.com)
Also, suggest you read
http://ask.sqlservercentral.com/questions/379/should-somebody-not-yet-on-sql-2008-wait-for-sql-2008-r2-since-its-near-release for discussion on whether to wait for it, or go with SQL Server 2008.
While SQL Server 2008 R2 is coming, it is not a lot different than SQL Server 2008, and for most users, SQL Server 2008 is more than adequate. The main difference is the addition of new BI features; the core database engine will have very few differences. If you need to upgrade, I wouldn't hesitate to move to SQL Server 2008 now, and only upgrade to R2 if you need the features it provides. On the other hand, don't upgrade from 2005 to 2008 just for the sake of upgrading. Only upgrade if there are features on 2008 that you need. After R2 is released, look for the next major upgrade of SQL Server in the 2011 time frame.
