Here is the good news for SQL Server users, especially DBAs!
A ‘preview’ (first one though) release of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which will have a separate release services outside of SQL Engine releases. All you need to do is to download and install SQL Server Management Studio June2015 preview.
Not that this SSMS preview works just for SQL Server 2016 CTP, you can also use this tool to work with previous version of SQL Server. I have tested the compatibility back to 2005 version.
SQLReleaseServices blog confirms the new features as follows:
- New lightweight Web Installer
We hope that the new SSMS installer is lightweight, fast and better experience for you to get SSMS tools. In particular, if you have already installed certain dependencies (say, .net framework), then the installer will not have to download them. In particular, as we release frequent updates to the tools, the installer should just update the components that have changed. - Automatic Check for Updates
SSMS will now check online for updates. If an update is available, you will be notified via a toast notification in SSMS. Alternatively, you can manually click on “Tools|Check For Updates…” to see if there are updates available.
- New option to skip prompt to save T-SQL files
- We have added a new option under “Tools|Options|Query Execution|SQL Server” to control if a prompt is shown for unsaved T-SQL files.
- Top customer requests addressed
- ‘Edit Top 200 Rows’ is now enabled for tables and views in Object Explorer
- Table Designer is now enabled for Azure SQL Database V12
- Database and Table property dialogs are now enabled for Azure SQL Database V12
- Updated Import/Export wizards with support for the new Azure SQL Database service tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium) – Bug fixes to provide enhanced support for Azure SQL Database
- Numerous bug fixes for scripting scenarios
- Fixed bug when enabling change tracking for Azure SQL Database V12
Finally if you need to submit any bug fixes and ask for any new features visit: SQL Client Tools Forum and on Microsoft Connect.
