Microsoft Press have released a free downloadable ten chapter e-book entitled, “Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2”.  It covers many of the new features of MS SQL Server 2008 R2 along with information around upgrading, consolidation and monitoring and business intelligence maintenance.

If you deal with Microsoft SQL Server this could be a useful book to download and have available on your PC/laptop for reference.  Here is a breakdown of the chapters:

PART I   Database Administration

CHAPTER 1   SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions and Enhancements 3
CHAPTER 2   Multi-Server Administration 21
CHAPTER 3   Data-Tier Applications 41
CHAPTER 4   High Availability and Virtualization Enhancements 63
CHAPTER 5   Consolidation and Monitoring 85

PART II   Business Intelligence Development

CHAPTER 6   Scalable Data Warehousing 109
CHAPTER 7   Master Data Services 125
CHAPTER 8   Complex Event Processing with StreamInsight 145
CHAPTER 9   Reporting Services Enhancements 165
CHAPTER 10   Self-Service Analysis with PowerPivot 189