Commerce Server 2009 Codename “R2” July CTP is Now Available for Download

The Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 codename “R2” July Community Technology Preview (CTP) is now available on the Download Center.

We invite you to install this pre-release version of Commerce Server 2009 “R2” into a non-production environment to learn how Commerce Server 2009 “R2” provides an improved business management experience, enhanced cross-channel enablement with 3-tier development and deployment support, and a more streamlined deployment experience.

Here's what's new in Commerce Server 2009 “R2” July CTP:
• Channel Configuration feature. The updated feature provides a better channel configuration experience and supports the use of multiple catalogs. You no longer have to type a text value for the channel or catalog that you want your site to use, and you no longer have to open each channel item in a separate window to edit it and commit the change. The updated Channel Configuration feature contains a user interface in which you select the channel and catalog that you want to use.
• Catalog Editing feature. The Catalog Editing feature provides you with the ability to make changes to the catalog while working in the default contemporary site. You can edit product and category information in the Inline Editor component.

The Commerce Server “R2” Readme and Installation and Configuration Guide, can also be found on the Download Center.

Note: Given the pre-release nature of this release, not all functionality is currently available. The release is for evaluation purposes only and is not intended to be used in a production environment. The July CTP will not function after March 31, 2010.