Last year saw the release of both SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012. Both bought significant updates, including changes to High Availability and Disaster Recovery for SQL Server 2012, and a focus on PowerShell and Server Core features for Windows Server 2012, not to mention improvements to Hyper V, which could lead my company to virtualize the only boxes in our company that are still physical, namely the database and SSAS boxes. So before we make this leap it’s important to hear from those who have experience and can pass it on. Apart from reading MSDN and trying out a few labs, there are a couple of user groups that I will be attending:

“Real-Life SQL Server 2012: AlwaysOn Lessons Learned

Microsoft says that SQL Server AlwaysOn is the integrated disaster and recovery solution that safeguards your company’s IT SQL Server infrastructure. But what isn’t being said about AlwaysOn? What problems are customers having? Why shouldn’t it be deployed on Windows 2008R2?

At this live Webcast join Brent Ozar of Brent Ozar Unlimited, Microsoft Certified Master and MVP, as he hosts an in-depth discussion of AlwaysOn. Brent’s deployed AlwaysOn at companies including StackOverflow.com and the Discovery Channel, and can give you the real scoop on problems, bugs, and challenges. You’ll gain confidence and knowledge for your own successful AlwaysOn deployment.”

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/745147530

http://sqlserverfaq.com/default.aspx?item=event&itemid=492

The fact that both of these are free, other than giving up a couple of evenings of your life to pick up the salient facts of some big changes should be reason enough to attend.