Biztalk Server 2006 R3 announced

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The next version of Biztalk (Biztalk Server 2006 R3) was just announced. More details can be found in Steve Martin's blog post here:

https://blogs.msdn.com/stevemar/archive/2008/04/23/biztalk-server-platform-updates.aspx. This release is primarily so that Biztalk server can take advantage of the recent Microsoft platform/technology wave (Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008). This release of Biztalk will follow close on the heels of SQL Server 2008 which will be the last one out in the product wave. In addition to adding support for the new platform (including .NET Framework 3.5), Biztalk Server 2006 R3 also brings some exciting new features:

  • Web service registry capabilities (using UDDI v3) and integration with them. While UDDI v2 has been available with Windows Server until now, the new version, and Biztalk's integration with it fill a critical need for any SOA solution designed around Biztalk.
  • Biztalk becomes more aware of mobile devices by way of Biztalk RFID Mobile. This will allow mobile devices to talk directly to Biztalk based business process solutions. As a result, personnel on the edge of the enterprise can now make real-time decisions based on data in the field.
  • New adapters and enhancements to existing ones. Better support for more industry standard protocols.
  • Better support for established SOA patterns and guidance on how to use Biztalk with these.

The CTP is planned sometime later this year and the full release should come out in the first half of 2009.

To me, the most exciting features are the ability to use Visual Studio 2008 (which I absolutely adore :D) and the SOA features. I also like the direction Biztalk is taking with Biztalk RFID Mobile. Traditionally, business process solutions and mobile users have been considered mutually exclusive. This is a clear indication that that isn't the case any longer. It is about time mobile had its day in the sun.