SQL Server 2012 Developer Training Kit

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In time for the SQL Server 2012 launch, the SQL Server 2012 training kit is already ready for download and test drive. It contains content including labs, demos and presentations to help you learn and develop SQL 2012 and BI Solutions. New and updated content will be released periodically and can be downloaded on-demand using the Web Installer.

Instructions

• Download and launch the Web Installer
• Select the labs, demos and presentations that you want to download
• Install prerequisites (optional)
• When the download process completes, browse to the folder(s) where you installed the content

So Earlier today I installed it and here is my experience:

For some of the downloads, the web installer will open the web browser and let you download PowerPivot for Excel 2010, AdventureWorks database for SQL 2012 etc. So its good to know upfront that the installation is not all self contained, you may have to download and install some items outside the web installer. See below for an example.

SQL Server Virtual Labs Launched

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SQL Server Virtual Labs
Virtual Labs enable you to quickly evaluate and test Microsoft's newest products and technologies through a series of guided, hands-on labs that you can complete in 90 minutes or less. There is no complex setup or installation required, and you can use Virtual Labs online immediately, free.
Access Virtual Labs here

I captured a few screen shots from the lab I worked on earlier today.

This computer is configured as a stand-alone server running Windows Server 2008 R2 with SQL Server 2008 R2 and SharePoint 2010 Enterprise. The Microsoft Office suite, including Visio, and the SQL Server PowerPivot Add-ins for Excel and SharePoint have also been installed.


Lab Manual:

One thing to note is that the copy-paste doesn’t seem to work and response is slightly lagged, but not a big issue.
Importing Data from SQL Server 2008R2 in PowerPivot:

Imported Data into an Excel PowerPivot:

Importing data from a Reporting Services Report:

Creating Relationships in PowerPivot:

Save Excel to SharePoint Excel Report Library:

View in SharePoint 2010

Create Interactive Reports embedded within SharePoint 2010

Schedule Reports to refresh using built in scheduler:

Provide the credentials to be used to refresh the report:

That’s it! I can’t wait to try out the other labs.