SQL Server 2012 RC0 (Release Candidate 0), formerly known as SQL Server Denali, is now available for download.  SQL Server 2012 RC0 is the first release which is feature complete.

This was unexpected as no one gave any hints that it was coming.  Reminds me of The new phonebook’s here!.

Download your evaluation version and try the new features here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28145

Be sure to check out What’s New in SQL Server 2012 RC 0.  Note that you can upgrade from CTP3 to RC0 in place (see Installing SQL Server 2012 RC0 and Upgrading Denali CTP3 to SQL Server 2012 RC0).

If you had previously installed CTP3 of SSDT/Juneau, you will need to un-install it (Uninstalling SQL Server Developer Tools CTP3) before installing CTP4 (Download Available: SQL Server Data Tools CTP4).  Download CTP4 here.

Installation prerequisites at a glance:

• SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for Excel RC0   Install Visual Studio Tools for Office (VSTO) 4.0 runtime and .NET Framework 4.0 before you install PowerPivot. You can find the VSTO runtime at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=232657 and the .NET Framework 4.0 at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=232658. Also, if you are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, install the Platform Update at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=186051.
• SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for SharePoint RC0   Install Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Service Pack 1 (SP1) available at the Microsoft.com Download Center at http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26623. You must fully patch the SharePoint farm before you add SQL Server 2012 RC0 features. No separate PowerPivot download required because the PowerPivot for SharePoint components are installed through SQL Server Setup. Run the PowerPivot Configuration Wizard after the installation to configure your farm.
• SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services RC0  Install .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 as well as .NET Framework 4.0 and Windows PowerShell 2.0. You also need an update for the .NET 3.5 SP1:
  • For Windows Vista SP2 or Widows Server 2008 SP2, go to http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=198093.
  • For Windows 7 or Windows 2008 R2, go to http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=198092.

More info:

SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate is now Available!

What’s New in SSIS for SQL Server 2012 RC0

Books Online for SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC 0)

Announcing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)

What’s New In Power View

SQL Server 2012 RC0 and PowerPivot V2 RC0

SQL Server 2012 : Changes to system objects in RC0 

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) Manageability Tool Kit

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)

SQL Server 2012 RC0, A New AlwaysOn Experience

What’s new in SQL Server Data Tools CTP4?

Install SQL Server 2012 BI Features

SQL Server 2012 RC0 – What’s New in DQS?

What’s New in Master Data Services (MDS) in SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)

Adventure Works for SQL Server 2012 RC0