SQL Server 2016 Release Candidate 1 now available

We are excited to announce that our second SQL Server 2016 release candidate, SQL Server 2016 Release Candidate (RC) 1, is now available for download.

This is an important milestone in the release of SQL Server 2016, as the product is nearly feature complete, and means that a very rich set of capabilities is now available. These include real-time operational analytics, rich visualizations on mobile devices, built-in advanced analytics, new advanced security technologies and new hybrid scenarios that allow you to securely stretch data to the cloud.

As part of our new rapid release model, we will be publishing multiple release candidates on a more frequent cadence. SQL Server 2016 RC 1, which you can try in your development and test environments, is available for download today.

In SQL Server 2016 RC 1, we made enhancements to SQL Server Reporting Services, including:

  • Updated preview of the new web portal: The new web portal by default, and the classic Report Manager now removed.  Additionally, open the Mobile Report Publisher and Report Builder from the new web portal using any modern browser.
  • Custom branding: Customize the web portal with your organization’s logo and colors.
  • KPIs and mobile reports: Click a KPI and see a view with more details, and connect KPIs and mobile reports to parameterized datasets.
  • Modern paginated reports: Design beautifully modern paginated reports with new, modern styles for charts, gauges, maps and other data visualizations.

For additional detail, please read the detailed SSRS blog RC 1 post.

Download SQL Server 2016 RC 1 today!

To learn more, visit the SQL Server 2016 preview page. To experience the new, exciting features in SQL Server 2016 and the new rapid release model, download the preview and start evaluating the impact these new innovations can have for your business.

Questions?

Join the discussion of the new SQL Server 2016 capabilities at MSDN and Stack Overflow. If you run into an issue or would like to make a suggestion, you can let us know at Connect. We look forward to hearing from you!

Try SQL Server 2016 RC