Since the third CTP version of SQL Server 2012 (codename Denali), there are some new features available to provide an additional value like the for other Microsoft SQL Server versions. These are pooled in the so called ‘Feature Pack’ as well as in the ‘Manageability Tool Kit’. Both are already available, but not in the final version. I have compiled all information in this blog to find it easily. All DBAs should know that Feature Pack exists, how to find it, and of course use it.:roll:

I will present a summary from each version since SQL Server 2005 (together with a link) before presenting the SQL Server 2012 Feature Pack preview version. The information comes directly from the Microsoft web site.

What is a Feature Pack?

The Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server is a collection of stand-alone install packages that include a number of goodies for SQL Server.

SQL Server 2005 Feature Pack

  • Microsoft ADOMD.NET

ADOMD.NET is a Microsoft .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0

Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0 is the latest version of the native XML processing stack.

  • Microsoft OLEDB Provider for DB2

The Microsoft OLE DB Provider for DB2 is a COM component for integrating vital data stored in IBM DB2 databases with new solutions based on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition and Developer Edition.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Management Pack for MOM 2005

The Microsoft SQL Server Management Pack enables you to monitor SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000 in an enterprise environment.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000 PivotTable Services

PivotTable Services 8.0 is the OLE DB provider for SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services and is used to connect with an Analysis Services 2000 server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000 DTS Designer Components

The Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Data Transformation Services (DTS) package designer is a design tool used by developers and administrators of SQL Server 2005 servers to edit and maintain existing DTS packages until they can be upgraded or recreated in the SQL Server 2005 Integration Services package format.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Native Client

Microsoft SQL Server Native Client (SQL Native Client) is a single dynamic-link library (DLL) containing both the SQL OLE DB provider and SQL ODBC driver.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services 9.0 OLE DB Provider

The Analysis Services 9.0 OLE DB Provider is a COM component that software developers can use to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Backward Compatibility Components

The SQL Server Backward Compatibility package includes the latest versions of Data Transformation Services 2000 runtime (DTS), SQL Distributed Management Objects (SQL-DMO), Decision Support Objects (DSO), and SQL Virtual Device Interface (SQLVDI).

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Command Line Query Utility

The SQLCMD utility allows users to connect, send Transact-SQL batches, and output rowset information from SQL Server 7.0, SQL Server 2000, and SQL Server 2005 instances.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Datamining Viewer Controls

The Data Mining Web Controls Library is a set of Microsoft Windows Forms controls that enable software developers to display data mining models created using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services in their client-side applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver

In its continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft provides a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver for use with SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Management Objects Collection

The Management Objects Collection package includes several key elements of the SQL Server 2005 management API, including Analysis Management Objects (AMO), Replication Management Objects (RMO), and SQL Server Management Objects (SMO).

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition

Use SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition (SQL Server Mobile) to rapidly develop applications that extend enterprise data management capabilities to mobile devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Notification Services Client Components

The SQL Server 2005 Notification Services Client Components package provides client APIs that enable subscription management and event submission within custom applications that include SQL Server 2005 Notification Services functionality.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Advisor

Upgrade Advisor analyzes instances of SQL Server 7.0 and SQL Server 2000 in preparation for upgrading to SQL Server 2005.

  • Microsoft .NET Data Provider for mySAP Business Suite

SQL Server 2005 includes support for accessing SAP data by using the Microsoft .NET Data Provider for mySAP Business Suite.

  • Reporting Add-In for Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express

The Reporting Add-In for Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express includes a ReportViewer control, an integrated report designer, and a comprehensive API that lets you customize run-time functionality.

Link: You can find the Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 here.

SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack

  • Microsoft ADOMD.NET

ADOMD.NET is a Microsoft .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft Analysis Management Objects

Analysis Management Objects (AMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer Analysis Services objects.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services 10.0 OLE DB Provider

The Analysis Services 10.0 OLE DB Provider is a COM component that software developers can use to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Backward Compatibility Components

The SQL Server Backward Compatibility package includes the latest versions of the Data Transformation Services 2000 runtime (DTS), SQL Distributed Management Objects (SQL-DMO), Decision Support Objects (DSO), and SQL Virtual Device Interface (SQLVDI).

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Command Line Utilities

The SQLCMD utility allows users to connect to, send Transact-SQL batches from, and output rowset information from SQL Server 7.0, SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005, and SQL Server 2008 instances.

  • SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 

SQL Server Compact is a free, easy-to-use embedded database engine that lets developers build robust Microsoft Windows desktop and mobile applications that run on all Windows operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, Pocket PC, and Smartphone.

  • Microsoft Connector 1.0 for SAP BI

The Microsoft Connector for SAP BI is a set of managed components for transferring data to or from an SAP NetWeaver BI version 7.0 system.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Data Mining Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Data Mining Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007 enables you to take advantage of SQL Server 2008 predictive analytics in Office Excel 2007 and Office Visio 2007.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Datamining Viewer Controls

The Data Mining Web Controls Library is a set of Microsoft Windows Forms controls that enable software developers to display data mining models created using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services in their client-side applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP

The SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP is a PHP 5 extension that allows for accessing data in all Editions of SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 (including Express Editions) from within PHP scripts.

  • Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0

Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0 is the latest version of the native XML processing stack.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver 1.2

In its continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft has released a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver for SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Objects

The SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer SQL Server objects and services.

  • Microsoft OLEDB Provider for DB2

The Microsoft OLE DB Provider for DB2 version 2.0 is a COM component for integrating vital data stored in IBM DB2 databases with new solutions based on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition and Developer Edition.

  • SQL Server Remote Blob Store

The SQL Server Remote Blob Store is a method for storing blobs of unstructured data in an external Content Addressable data store.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Native Client

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Native Client (SQL Server Native Client) is a single dynamic-link library (DLL) containing both the SQL OLE DB provider and SQL ODBC driver.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Policies

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Policies are examples of how you can take advantage of Policy Based Management. These policies will help you follow some of the SQL Server best practices and avoid common pitfalls.

  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server

The Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server includes a provider and a set of cmdlets that enable administrators and developers to build PowerShell scripts for managing instances of SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Replication Management Objects

The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Replication Management Objects package includes API for managing SQL Server 2008 replication objects programmatically.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Report Builder 2.0

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Report Builder 2.0 provides an intuitive report authoring environment for business and power users with a Microsoft Office look and feel.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Add-in for SharePoint Technologies allows you to take advantage of SQL Server 2008 report processing and management capabilities in SharePoint integrated mode.

  • Microsoft SQL Service Broker External Activator

The Microsoft SQL Service Broker External Activator is distributed in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack.

  • Microsoft SQL Server System CLR Types

The SQL Server System CLR Types package contains the components implementing the new geometry, geography, and hierarchyid types in SQL Server 2008.

  • Microsoft SQLXML 4.0 SP1

SQLXML enables XML support for your SQL Server Database. It allows developers to bridge the gap between XML and relational data.

  • Microsoft Sync Framework

Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables collaboration and offline access for applications, services and devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Advisor

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Advisor analyzes instances of SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 in preparation for upgrading to SQL Server 2008.

Link: You can find the Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 here.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Feature Pack

  • Microsoft SQL Server Report Builder 3.0

Report Builder 3.0 introduces additional visualizations including maps, sparklines and databars which can help produce new insights well beyond what can be achieved with standard tables and charts.

  • Microsoft SQL Server PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel

Microsoft SQL Server PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 is a data analysis tool that delivers unmatched computational power directly within Microsoft Excel.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies 2010

The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies 2010 allows you to integrate your reporting environment with SharePoint to experience the benefits of using the collaborative environment provided by SharePoint.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies 2007

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Add-in for SharePoint Technologies allows you to take advantage of new SQL Server 2008 report processing and management capabilities in SharePoint integrated mode.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Policies

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Policies are examples of how you can take advantage of Policy Based Management.

  • Microsoft Sync Framework 2.0 Software Development Kit (SDK)

Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables collaboration and offline scenarios for applications, services, and devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2

SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 is an embedded database that allows developers to build robust applications for Windows desktops and mobile devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 For Windows Mobile

SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 is an embedded database that allows developers to build robust applications for Windows desktops and mobile devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 Server Tools

SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 is an embedded database that allows developers to build robust applications for Windows desktops and mobile devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 Books On-line

SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 is an embedded database that allows developers to build robust applications for Windows desktops and mobile devices.

  • Microsoft SQL Server JDBC Driver 3.0

This is a Type for JDBC driver that provides database connectivity through the standard JDBC application program interfaces (APIs) available in Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5.

  • Microsoft Connector 1.1 for SAP BW for SQL Server 2008 R2

The Microsoft Connector for SAP BW is a set of managed components for transferring data to or from an SAP NetWeaver BW version 7.0 system.

  • Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2008 R2

The SQL Server System CLR Types package contains the components implementing the geometry, geography, and hierarchy id types in SQL Server 2008 R2.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Remote Blob Store

The component consists of a client-side DLL that is linked into a user application, as well as a set of stored procedures to be installed on SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Books On-line

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Books Online is the primary documentation for SQL Server. Visit the SQL Server 2008 Books Online page on the Microsoft Download Center.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Advisor

Upgrade Advisor identifies feature and configuration changes that might affect your upgrade, and it provides links to documentation that describes each identified issue and how to resolve it.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client (SQL Server Native Client) is a single dynamic-link library (DLL) containing both the SQL OLE DB provider and SQL ODBC driver.

  • Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0 SP 1

MSXML 6.0 provides standards-conformant implementations of XML 1.0, XML Schema (XSD) 1.0, XPath 1.0, and XSLT 1.0.

  • Microsoft OLEDB Provider for DB2

The Microsoft OLE DB Provider for DB2 Version 3.0 offers a set of technologies and tools for integrating vital data stored in IBM DB2 databases with new solutions based on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition and Developer Edition.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Command Line Utilities

The SQLCMD utility allows users to connect to, send Transact-SQL batches from, and output rowset information from SQL Server 7.0, SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005, and SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 instances.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Service Broker External Activator for SQL Server 2008 R2

The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Broker External Activator is an extension of the internal activation feature in SQL Server 2008 R2 that lets you move the logic for receiving and processing Service Broker messages from the Database Engine service to an application executable that runs outside SQL Server.

  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server 2008 R2

The Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server2008 R2 includes a provider and a set of cmdlets that enable administrators and developers to build PowerShell scripts for managing instances of SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Shared Management Objects

The SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer SQL Server objects and services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 ADOMD.NET

ADOMD.NET is a Microsoft .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft Analysis Services OLE DB Provider for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2

The Analysis Services OLE DB Provider is a COM component that software developers can use to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Management Objects

Analysis Management Objects (AMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer Analysis Services objects.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Data Mining Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Data Mining Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007 enables you to take advantage of SQL Server 2008 predictive analytics in Office Excel 2007 and Office Visio 2007.

  • Microsoft Datamining Viewer Controls For Microsoft SQL Server 2008

The Data Mining Web Controls Library is a set of Microsoft Windows Forms controls that enable software developers to display data mining models created using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services in their client-side applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Driver for PHP 2.0

The Microsoft Drivers for PHP for SQL Server are PHP 5 extensions that allows for the reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant

Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) is a family of tools that dramatically cut the effort, cost, and risk of migrating from Oracle, Sybase, MySQL or Access to any edition of SQL Server 2008 R2 or SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2005.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Best Practices Analyzer

SQL Server 2008 R2 Best Practices Analyzer is an analysis tool that validates your system configuration and execution against a recommended set of best practices developed by SQL Server Engineering and Customer Support.

Link: You can find the Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 here.

SQL Server 2012 Feature Pack

To begin, I will just inform you that you can find the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) Manageability Tool Kit with some features but not really explanation of it.

I present you features from the Feature Pack of the SQL Server 2012 CPT 3 version:

  • Master Data Service Add-in for Microsoft Excel

The Master Data Services Add-in for Excel gives multiple users the ability to update master data in a familiar tool without compromising the data’s integrity in MDS.

  • Semantic Language Statistics

The Semantic Language Statistics Database is a required component for the Statistical Semantic Search feature in Microsoft SQL Server 2012

  • Microsoft SQL Server Report Builder for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Report Builder provides a productive report-authoring environment for IT professionals and power users.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 provides ground-breaking technology, such as fast manipulation of large data sets (often millions of rows), streamlined integration of data, and the ability to effortlessly share your analysis through Microsoft SharePoint 2010.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies

The Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies allows you to integrate your reporting environment with SharePoint to experience the benefits of using the collaborative environment provided by SharePoint.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Data-Tier Application Framework

The SQL Server Data-tier Application (DAC) framework is a component based on the .NET Framework that provides application lifecycle services for database development and management.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Transact-SQL Language Service  

The SQL Server Transact-SQL Language Service is a component based on the .NET Framework which provides parsing validation and IntelliSense services for Transact-SQL for SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2, and SQL Server 2008.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Transact-SQL ScriptDom

Microsoft SQL Server Transact-SQL ScriptDom is a .NET Framework API that provides parsing and scripting services for Transact-SQL.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Transact-SQL Compiler Service

Microsoft SQL Server Transact-SQL Compiler Service is a set of components that provide the compilation and validation services for Transact-SQL.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0

Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 is a free, embedded database that software developers can use for building ASP.NET websites and Windows desktop applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 Books On-line

Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0 is a free, embedded database that software developers can use for building ASP.NET websites and Windows desktop applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server JDBC Driver 4.0

In our continued commitment to interoperability, Microsoft has released the second community technical preview (CTP) of the new Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver.

  • Microsoft Connector 1.1 for SAP BW for SQL Server 2012

The Microsoft Connector for SAP BW is a set of managed components for transferring data to or from an SAP NetWeaver BW version 7.0 system.

  • Microsoft System CLR Types for SQL Server 2012

The SQL Server System CLR Types package contains the components implementing the geometry, geography, and hierarchy id types in SQL Server 2012.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Remote Blob Store

The SQL Server Remote Blob Store is a method for storing blobs of unstructured data in an external Content Addressable data store.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Books On-line  

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Books Online is the primary documentation for SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Upgrade Advisor

Microsoft Upgrade Advisor analyzes instances of SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2 in preparation for upgrading to SQL Server 2012.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client

Microsoft SQL Server Native Client is a single dynamic-link library (DLL) containing both the SQL OLE DB provider and SQL ODBC driver.

  • Microsoft OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for SQL Server 2012

The Microsoft OLE DB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft SQL 2012 offers a set of technologies and tools for integrating vital data stored in IBM DB2 databases with new solutions.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Command Line Utilities

The SQLCMD utility allows users to connect to, send Transact-SQL batches from, and output rowset information from SQL Server 7.0, SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005, and SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2, and 2012 instances.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Service Broker External Activator for SQL Server 2012

The Microsoft SQL Server Service Broker External Activator is an extension of the internal activation feature in SQL Server 2012 that lets you move the logic for receiving and processing Service Broker messages from the Database Engine service to an application executable that runs outside SQL Server.

  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server 2012

The Microsoft Windows PowerShell Extensions for SQL Server 2012 includes a provider and a set of cmdlets that enable administrators and developers to build PowerShell scripts for managing instances of SQL Server.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Shared Management Objects

SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer SQL Server objects and services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 ADOMD.NET  

ADOMD.NET is a Microsoft .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft Analysis Services OLE DB Provider for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

The Analysis Services OLE DB Provider is a COM component that software developers can use to create client-side applications that browse metadata and query data stored in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Management Objects

Analysis Management Objects (AMO) is a .NET Framework object model that enables software developers to create client-side applications to manage and administer Analysis Services objects.

  • Microsoft Drivers 3.0 for PHP for SQL Server

The Microsoft Drivers for PHP for SQL Server are PHP 5 extensions that allows for the reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts.

  • Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant

SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) is a family of products to reduce the cost and risk of migration from Oracle, Sybase, MySQL and Microsoft Access databases to SQL server or SQL Azure.

  • Microsoft SQL Server StreamInsight v1.2

Microsoft StreamInsight is Microsoft’s Complex Event Processing technology to help businesses create event-driven applications and derive better insights by correlating event streams from multiple sources with near-zero latency.

Link: You can find the Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 CPT3 here and the Manageability Tool Kit for SQL Server 2012 RC0 here.

Conclusion

You can find other new versions of features like Microsoft SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) or Microsoft SQL Server 2012 RC0 Master Data Services Add-in For Microsoft Excel to replace the version in this post to test SQL Server 2012. You have a lot of features for your environment…

To finish my article, I just want to remind you that there are also features available on Codeplex such as SharePoint ListAdapter for SSIS.:-D