Interested in the overall story on the forthcoming Microsoft Commerce Server 2006, I attended a session here at TechEd A'Dam where I hoped to have my first glimpse on the product itself. But unfortunately, the presentation was all slides-based with a good overview of the new features of it. Things I will remember are:
- CS has been recreated exclusively on top of the .NET 2.0 framework. No more COM support! (although there is compatibility with your COM components in the CS pipeline)
- And yes, user controls and Web parts now for developers (e.g. shopping basket control, ...)
- There will be a complete set of new business user tools. Yep, they have finally replaced the BizDesk with a number of smart client Windows applications.
- There seems to be good integration (two-way) between Commerce Server 2006 and BizTalk 2006 with some new BizTalk adapters.
- Lots of integration also with SQL Server Reporting Services.
- The Catalog Manager looks very cool with some extra functionalities and we have a new Inventory Manager and Marketing Manager.
- There will be a new Starter Site for VS.NET 2005.
- And of course, we can access the content now with Web services.
CS2006 will be coming Q1 CY2006. There will be more after Longhorn Server.