PASS Partners with Dell and MaximumASP to Offer
Free Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Hosted Trial

7 Virtual Labs Let SQL Server and BI Professionals Get Hands-on Experience
with New SQL Server Release

CHICAGO, Illinois – April 21, 2010 – Joining again with Dell and MaximumASP, PASS is proud to announce the launch today of the free Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Hosted Trial virtual lab, giving users around the world access to a complete, integrated Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, SharePoint 2010, and Office 2010 environment, right from their desktop.

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.

“We are excited about the Hosted Trial because it empowers all types of SQL Server users to experience SQL Server 2008 R2 instantly,” says PASS Board member Douglas McDowell. “There is no replacement for the education and understanding gained in working with technology in a hands-on capacity. PASS considers the Hosted Trial for SQL Server 2008 R2 to be a valuable addition to the many benefits PASS offers its members.”

To get started, users simply need to register at PreviewSQLServer.com for all or their choice of seven in-depth labs:

• SQL Server 2008 R2 – Multi-Server Management
• SQL Server 2008 R2 – PowerPivot
• SQL Server 2008 R2 – Reporting Services
• SQL Server 2008 R2 – Master Data Services
• SQL Server 2008 R2 – StreamInsight
• SQL Server Integration Services – Introduction
• SQL Server Integration Services – Intermediate to Advanced

PreviewSQLServer.com provides simple instructions for logging into the labs. And if users have questions or problems, they can email support@PreviewSQLServer.com to reach a dedicated support team.

About PASS
The Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) is an independent, not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting the Microsoft SQL Server community. From local user groups and virtual chapters to the annual PASS Summit—the largest gathering of SQL Server professionals in the world—PASS enables knowledge sharing, in-depth learning, access to the Microsoft SQL Server team, and the ability to influence the direction of SQL Server technologies. The PASS mission is to empower the global SQL Server community to Connect, Share, and Learn. For more information about PASS and the benefits of becoming a member, visit the PASS website at http://www.sqlpass.org.

Media Contact:
Kathy Blomstrom
1-970-630-3404