We are excited to announce that our third SQL Server 2016 release candidate, SQL Server 2016 Release Candidate (RC) 2, is now available for download.

Our SQL Server Release Candidates represent important milestones in the release of SQL Server 2016, as the product is now 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 are publishing multiple release candidates on a more frequent cadence. SQL Server 2016 RC 2, which you can try in your development and test environments, is available for download today.

In SQL Server 2016 RC 2, enhancements include:

R Services setup – the setup process for R Services is much more integrated into SQL Server setup. There is no longer a need to manually download and install Microsoft R open and R Server if the SQL Server is connected to the Internet; it becomes part of the SQL Server install sequence.

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) – This release of SSMS features an update to the Visual Studio 2015 shell bringing enhancements such as the quick launch toolbar and improved theming support.

Mobile reports – Brand Packages will now be downloaded to the mobile report publisher from a server running RC2 and available for use in report creation. Basic mobile report content migration between servers is now supported.

For additional information about RC 2, see SQL Server 2016 Release Notes, What’s New for SQL Server R Services and the SSMS RC 2 blog post

Download SQL Server 2016 RC 2 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.

Have 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!