The Firebird Project is pleased to announce the availability of Firebird 2.0 Alpha 1 for immediate download and testing.

http://www.firebirdsql.org/index.php?op=files&id=fb2_alpha01

1. This version of Firebird 2 is an alpha version, it is for Field Test only and not for use in production.
2. All changes and new features are subject to further change and/or withdrawal in subsequent alpha and beta releases, leading up to
final release. Do not assume that databases created by or upgraded to the on-disk structure of this alpha will be upwardly
compatible with subsequent test builds/releases.
3. Bugs, Problems etc can be posted to the Field Test bug tracker or to the Firebird Development List.

This release contains a large number of new features, including derived tables, support for Execute Block, increased table sizes,
new improved index code (the 252-byte index length limit is no longer applicable), expression indices, numerous optimiser
improvements, enhanced security features, support for on-line incremental backups along with numerous other improvements and bug
fixes. Please read the Release Notes for more details.
The following builds are currently available: Windows and Linux Classic, other builds will follow soon.
Feedback, input and comments re this release will be appreciated, as they will help to speed up the cycle for the full Firebird 2.0
release.
Happy testing!

The Firebird Project