We are pleased to announce the public Beta 2 release of BizTalk 2006 R2.  The beta 2 files are available from the Microsoft Connect site.   While there are numerous improvements to BizTalk, this release has three major themes:

• EDI: The native support for comprehensive EDI and AS2 protocols in BizTalk Server 2006 R2 will provide much richer data integration and management capabilities for our customers. The Base EDI adapter that comes with BizTalk Server 2006 enables the sending and receiving of messages using X12 and EDIFACT. Customers can leverage this base functionality in order to build custom EDI solutions.

• RFID: BizTalk RFID provides rich data, device and event management, as well as open APIs and tools.  The capabilities allow customers to cost effectively build vertical solutions and configure intelligent RFID-driven processes. 

• Platform Alignment: BizTalk Server 2006 R2 features improved alignment with 2007 Microsoft Office system and Windows Vista, including key .NET Framework 3.0 technologies such as WF and WCF.  This alignment will help customers access LOB data, as well as system-to-system or supply-chain processes from within their Office System applications (like SharePoint Server, InfoPath and Dynamics). 

BizTalk Server 2006 R2 Beta 2 is an unsupported beta, however there are community-based support forums available for the release.

Regards,

Marjan Kalantar