Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 3 has been released with cumulative updates and a few minor improvements.

The improvements start with optimized query outcomes when an indexed Spatial Data Type column is referenced by DTA (Database Tuning Advisor). Another improvement fixes the problem that used to occur if you had transparent data encryption enabled and the certificate was dropped. Transparent data encryption will now be available even under these circumstances.

If you’re using SQL Server Integration Services, the logs will now show the total number of rows sent in Data Flows.

If you’re trying to upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server to 2008 SP3, the experience has apparently been improved, though gotchas are still there if you’ve done something adventurous like install a pre-release version of SQL Server 2008 or Visual Studio 2008. In such cases you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully as to which bits to uninstall and reinstall, and what order to do it in. 

The service pack is available for both the full and Express editions of SQL Server 2008 - see links below.

More information

SQL Server 2008 SP3 Release Notes

Download SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 3

SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express Edition

Related article on I Programmer:

SQL Server 2008 R2

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