Today, we are announcing the long-term technology roadmap for Commerce Server and the new Commerce Server Information Desk program.

First, the roadmap…as hinted in earlier blog postings we are announcing two specific waves of new Commerce Server technology:

  • Commerce Server “7” – This is the next major version of Commerce Server and will be targeted for delivery in mid-2010. This release will provide a migration path from Commerce Server 2007 and feature investments in core capabilities/technology infrastructure, multi-channel scenarios extending beyond the Web, and personalization, analytics, and social networking.
  • Commerce Server 2007 Accelerators – Delivered starting in the 2nd half of 2008 (with preview releases available sooner), these will provide complementary a la carte functionality additions with minimal-to-no migration/upgrade impact for existing CS2007 deployments, targeted at technology integration and end-to-end industry vertical scenario enablement (encapsulating extensions to schemas, sites, management tools, and other areas of the system as impacted by any given industry). Specifics include:
    • Technology Integration: Office SharePoint Server, Dynamics (CRM + AX/NAV/GP), Live! Services (Search, Local/Virtual Earth, & adCenter), & Silverlight 1.1 (Business User Tools)
    • Industry Vertical Scenario Enablement: General Merchandise Retail, Apparel Retail, Electronics Retail, Digital Downloads (Software + Media & Entertainment), and General Business/Hospitality Services

The pricing, licensing, packing, and final naming are all TBD. Needless to say, we are committed to broadening the reach of Commerce Server as much as possible as well as delivering value on existing investments. Likewise, we don’t have more schedule specifics we can share at this time. Stay tuned to this blog for further details, as they will be shared as soon as information can be made available.

At the same time, we are simultaneously addressing one of the other challenges facing Commerce Server customers – getting the resources needed to be successful with the technology – with the introduction with the Commerce Server Information Desk program. Available immediately by sending e-mail to csid@microsoft.com, this is a product-group managed program with target response time of ~2-3 business days to either partners or customers to provide top quality pre- and post-sales engagement support.

On the pre-sales side, partners and customers can access to resources and tailored individual engagement on qualified opportunities. On the post-sales side, partners and customers can be connected with the right resources and most up-to-date best practices for their deployment engagements (note: this is NOT a substitute for product support for breaking technical/production issues).

For a more in-depth look, look at my personal take at http://blogs.msdn.com/rdonovan/archive/2007/08/08/in-depth-commerce-server-product-roadmap-information-desk-program-announcement.aspx.

It has been a long time coming, but we tremendously excited about our new roadmap and support programs and hope you feel the same way.