Import/Export Update - SQL Server 2012 RC0 is here

Question

We have released SQL Server 2012 RC0 which includes an update to import/export functionality. I know there have been some compatibility issues in the past. We are working to ensure compatibility issues are completely avoided as we stabilize both the client side tools and the service in preparation for the production/RTM milestone which is coming soon!

The service has been updated and now produces a newer version of the BACPAC file format. In order to keep file format compatibility, the new set of client side tools has been released including a new EXE and related binaries. In addition to the new binaries, the SQL Server 2012 RC0 Management Studio now contains a new set of Import/Export related wizards which besides doing the standard import and export also showcase the ability to selectively export a set of tables of your choosing while still extracting the full database schema. Besides several bug fixes, the new set of client side tools should be noticeably faster than the CTP3 release.

I've previously mentioned this but I wanted to make sure it's clear, newer versions of the client side tools and the service will support BACPAC files generated by either older client side tools or an older version of the service.

The service is headed towards its production milestone. We are very focused on improving performance as well as providing you with a better progress indication (example: Running - 65% complete). I'll post an update here once we can share the timelines publically.

Some customers have expressed concerns about whether using the import/export service will start billing when the service enters the production phase so I wanted to state this clearly for everyone: the import/export service is completely free. We have no plans to bill for importing or exporting a SQL Azure database. Use of the service will generate billing charges as you exercise standard Windows Azure storage account and SQL Azure server and database functionality but there will not be any specific charge for usage of the Import/Export service itself.

Lastly, here are some links to the new client side binaries. A special note, if you install SQL Server 2012 Management Studio all of the required binaries are installed along with Management Studio, so you can use the import/export wizards without having to install anything else.

SQL Server 2012 Management Studio can be downloaded as part of the larger release here:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28145

Alternatively, if you want the minimal install that does not include the full SQL Server product, direct links to the required MSIs can be found here:
http://sqldacexamples.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Required%20Assemblies%20Links

For folks who only installed the MSIs or who installed Management Studio but prefer an EXE: a new version of the client-side Import/Export EXE is available on the CodePlex site here:
http://sqldacexamples.codeplex.com/releases/view/77085

Additional information can be found at our CodePlex site and our blog:
http://sqldacexamples.codeplex.com/documentation
http://dacguy.wordpress.com

Answer 1

One quick point of clarification, if you had previously installed the client side binaries, you must get the newer EXE from the link provided above as well as install the newer set of depedent binaries (5 MSIs).  To do so, please follow the links above.  The newer MSIs will upgrade any pre-existing installation so there's no need to delete or uninstall anything you were using previously.