You’ve probably read a lot about this already, so I’ll keep it short:  VS 2010 Beta 2 is available via MSDN – details here:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/dd582936.aspx.  Full availability is scheduled for 10/21.

Here’s what you should do to get started:

• Visit the Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Beta site to download the Beta, submit feedback, go to forums, and find more information about the Beta.



• Check out Tips & Videos on installing the Beta

The New MSDN

MSDN and Visual Studio editions are getting facelifts.   What’s happening to MSDN?  Take a peek here:  http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/msdn/default.mspx#roadmap

The biggest thing here is the new SKU changes we’re making in 2010. The “role-based” editions of Visual Studio and Team System has been revamped to more closely reflect SKU’s used by Windows and Office (Brian Harry posts details here):

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate with MSDN: the comprehensive suite of application lifecycle management tools for software teams to ensure quality results from design to deployment.
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Premium with MSDN: a complete toolset for developers to deliver scalable, high quality applications.
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Professional with MSDN: the essential tool for professional development tasks to assist developers in implementing their ideas easily.

Cleaner, yes?