SQL Server Versions and Editions

There are currently four versions of SQL Server at play in the real world with one currently in development at the moment. Consider SQL Server 2008 R2 to be the same release as SQL Server 2008 as they both have the same Mainstream Support Retire Date


 Status Version Released Date
Mainstream
Support
Retired Date
 CurrentSQL Server 2008 R2
 21st April 2010 14th January 2014
 CurrentSQL Server 2008
 6th August 2008
 14th January 2014
 IncumbentSQL Server 2005
 7th November 2005
 12th April 2011
 Extended Support
SQL Server 2000
 30th November 2000
 8th April 2008
 Cloud Computing
SQL Azure

 Future SQL Server 2011
 Q4 2011
 

SQL Server 2008 Editions

  • SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Workgroup Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Express Edition
  • SQL Server 2008 Express Edition With Tools
  • SQL Server 2008 Express Edition with Advanced Services
  • SQL Server 2008 Compact Edition
Future Version

Technically the next version should be released in 2011 called naturally SQL Server 2011.  However we have spotted some information on the internet indicating it'll be the following year, 2012. Whether it's SQL Server 2011,SQL Server 2012 or maybe SQL Server 2013, we'll be on it.