Apparently, it’s real (the event is still virtual, though.)

I tried to avoid answering this question from people asking about the release date for SQL Server 2012. That’s because the SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event has been announced way back in January 2012. I was in Redmond, WA when the schedule was publicly announced and had conversations with the marketing team about the virtual launch event. My common response to people asking was, “Remember the SQL Server 2008 launch? While there was a launch event in March 2008 together with Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008 didn’t hit the RTM status until 6-Aug-2008. It’ll be the same with SQL Server 2012.” It has been my response – until last week.

However, this is what you’ll see when you log in to the SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event page

Woohoo! SQL Server 2012 has officially reached the RTM status! This is a great opportunity for you to download the bits and start playing around with production-ready code. Now, I have to re-create my test environment for SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn using the RTM bits.

Wherever you are, join the SQL Server community on this online event. Watch Keynote Sessions, Sessions by Track or hang out – virtually – with the different SQL Server experts in the community. Register or Log In to the virtual event site and join in the fun.