The main details folks are as follows: (from an earlier email from Corp)
Details:
1. BizTalk Server vNext:
- Naming Change: We have also updated the name of the next release from BizTalk Server 2006 R3 to “BizTalk Server 2009”. By calling the product BizTalk Server 2009, we can clearly communicate this is a full product release with new and enhanced capabilities and updated platform support for customers to take full advantage of the latest technology wave (Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008, .NET Framework 3.5).
- BizTalk Server 2009 Timing: We will deliver a public CTP by the end of this calendar year. Additionally, BizTalk Server 2009 is on track for availability in the first half of calendar year 2009.
- Features: We bucket the 2009 release into 5 core feature areas, which are detailed further on the BizTalk roadmap page. These include platform support, SOA & web services, business to business integration, device connectivity and developer and team productivity(i.e. VSTS support
2. Future Plans:
- Ship Rhythm: Microsoft’s commitment to maintain a rhythm of releases roughly every 2 years.
- High-Level Themes: We outlined priorities for the next couple of releases. Including:
- Developer productivity enhancements (e.g. complex mapping);
- Enhanced B2B support (e.g. complex trading partner management, expanded industry standards and schemas);
- Low-latency messaging enhancements and ESB Guidance;
- Enhanced device support for cross-enterprise asset tracking, enterprise manageability of devices, and key industry standards;
- Real-time business event visibility through BI / BAM Enhancements; and
- Integration with the latest new platform capabilities (to take advantage of the latest advances in the .NET Framework, Visual Studio, and Windows Server).
More Info:
For more information on the BizTalk Server roadmap announcement please visit the BizTalk roadmap page.
Additional Resources
For more information go to:
· PressPass Q & A with Oliver Sharp, GM of BizTalk Server: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass
· BizTalk Website: http://www.microsoft.com/biztalk/
· BizTalk Server Team Blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/biztalk_server_team_blog/
· Steven Martin, director in the Connected Systems Division Blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/stevemar/default.aspx