First Beta of Commerce Server 2006 Now Available

Published: February 21, 2006

by Alex Woodie

Microsoft this week unveiled a beta version of Commerce Server 2006, the next version of its online e-commerce application that's expected to ship in final form by July.

With Commerce Server 2006, Microsoft is making strides in two main areas, including improving the product's integration with the back-office ERP systems that manage company's transactions, and in making it easier for users to tackle the product's initial setup and deployment of e-commerce Web sites using Commerce Server.

The company says it's accomplishing that first goal by improving Commerce Server's integration with BizTalk Server and its growing array of adapters and connectors for popular ERP systems. The second goal is being accomplished through the introduction of a "starter site" that will provide new out-of-the-box capabilities such as catalog browsing, searching, shopping cart, checking out, profile management, and personalization.

Other new features expected with Commerce Server 2006 include support for multiple languages and currencies; new wizards and management consoles for accomplishing common tasks, including the Customer and Order Manager, Catalog Manager, Marketing Manager, and Reports and Analytics; better business intelligence through integration with SQL Server Reporting Services; and improvements in performance and scalability, including native support for both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.