BizTalk Server 2009 scheduled for release

The next version of the BizTalk server will be called "BizTalk Server 2009" not BizTalk Server R3. The newer version is scheduled for release on first half of 2009.

BizTalk Server 2009 will be full release of the product. Some of the updates on the newer version are:

• As one of the expected update, it supports the latest Microsoft platform technologies, including Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 SP1, SQL Server 2008 and the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
• Hyper-V Virtualisation Support: Microsoft's official embracement of the Virtualisation of the servers. Microsoft was reluctant to provide support for its products on virtualised servers. In BizTalk Server R2, this feature was added in (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc768518.aspx) and in the newer version it has been extended to take complete advantage of the latest Virtualization improvements included as part of Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V.
• BizTalk Server can be deployed in multi-site cluster scenarios, where cluster nodes could reside on separate IP subnets and avoid complicated VLANs.
• Two new adapters for Oracle E-Business Suites and SQL Server. And updates to the existing adapters.
• Expanding the BAM functionality with SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.
• Enhanced support for EDI and AS2 protocols, updates for SWIFT support.
• New platform for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/biztalk/en/us/roadmap.aspx