The best replacement for sql 2008 is 2008 r2.

The best alternatives to sql 2008 are rated as following:
★★★★★  2008 r2
★★★★★  2005
★★★★★  2012
★★★  r2
★★  sql 2005
★★  sql 2008 r2
★★  sql 2012
★  sql 2000

Your alternative for sql 2008 is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about sql 2008, one probably shouldn't forget about reporting services.

Other search terms related to sql 2008 and their ratings are:
★★★★★ reporting services
★★ sql 2005
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sql 2008
2008 r2
2005