Woo hoo!  Microsoft has announced that SQL Server 2016 will be generally available on June 1st.  On that date all four versions of SQL Server 2016 will be available to all users, including brand new ones, MSDN subscribers, and existing customers.

Here is a quick overview of the tons of new features, broken out by edition (click for larger view):

and here is another view on the features available for each edition (click for larger view):

In addition to the on-premises release, Microsoft will also have a virtual machine available on June 1st through its Azure cloud platform to make it real easy for companies to deploy SQL Server 2016 in the cloud.  So start planning today!

More info:

Get ready, SQL Server 2016 coming on June 1st

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 will be generally available June 1