Commerce Server 2009 Evaluation VPC Released

Microsoft has made available for download a new offering designed to streamline the evaluation of Commerce Server 2009. In this regard, the Redmond company is now offering customers and partners the possibility to test-drive Commerce Server 2009 in a virtual machine. In fact, the software giant released a VPC of the product on Microsoft Connect, reducing dramatically the efforts that testers needed to spend by deploying the technology. The Commerce Server 2009 Evaluation VPC (April 2010 update) can be downloaded from Connect, and run immediately after a virtual image is created for it.

“Please note: you must be registered and logged into the Microsoft Connect site with your Windows Live ID account. Ensure Commerce Server is added to your Microsoft Connect Dashboard and go to 'Survey' and register to download the latest VPC. No email notification will be sent to you following your download request. Please check your downloads folder for a copy of the VPC in 1 - 2 business days,” Lynnette McL, Commerce Server 2009 PM, revealed.

According to Microsoft, the VPC brings to the table fully configured installations of Commerce Server 2009 and Office SharePoint Server 2007. Customers that will download and start testing the release will find that Microsoft has already set up details such as Core Systems, Multi-Channel Commerce Foundation, SharePoint Commerce Services, and even the Default site.

“No technological or content changes have been made to the April evaluation VPC, other than the extension of the trial license period of the evaluation software installed. This VPC is to be used for demonstration purposes with the intent to assist in the sales cycle and to help improve the Commerce Server 2009 evaluation experience. Approximately every 2 months the VPC will be updated and reposted to Microsoft Connect. This VPC is installed with evaluation software that will expire, significantly reducing functionality of the VPC,” Lynnette concluded.