SQL Server 2008 Service Pack3 is released, test and upgrade your instances.
Well, its time now again for all DBAs and
System Administrators out there to do some real-world testing on their SQL
Server 2008 instance platform, service pack 3 for SQL Server 2008 is released
now. If you are already testing the CTP version then its not a big issue to
perform the test and upgrade the existing instances of 2008 version.
Once you apply the SP3 for SQL Server 2008
the version will be 10.00.5500.00 and also the download page
clearly states the key enhancements out this SP3 release:
- Enhanced upgrade experience from
previous versions of SQL Server to SQL Server 2008 SP3. In addition, we have
increased the performance & reliability of the setup
experience.
- In SQL Server Integration Services logs
will now show the total number of rows sent in Data Flows.
- Enhanced warning messages when creating
the maintenance plan if the Shrink Database option is enabled.
- Resolving database issue with
transparent data encryption enabled and making it available even if certificate
is dropped.
- Optimized query outcomes when indexed
Spatial Data Type column is referenced by DTA (Database Tuning Advisor).
- Superior user experience with
Sequence Functions (e.g Row_Numbers()) in a Parallel execution plan.
However I would recommend to go through
the detailed list of new features and improvements that are included in SQL
Server 2008 SP3, review the Release Notes. documentation link. Further this SP3 for SQL Server 2008
contains the cumulative updates of SQL Server 2008
SP2 cumulative update package 1 to 4, and fixes to issues that have been
reported through our customer feedback platforms. These include supportability
enhancements and issues that have been reported through Windows Error
Reporting.
To download the respective platform service
pack file go to:SQL Server 2008 SP3 and for Express version go to SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express link.
