A new release of Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name "R2" is currently available for testing via the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft has released the November 2009 Community Technology Preview of Commerce Server 2009 R2 to early adopters. Companies already testing older releases of the next iteration of Commerce Server will be able to access the latest bits packaged as a DVD ISO Image File. Obviously, Microsoft is offering Commerce Server 2009 R2 November 2009 CTP DVD ISO Image as a free download, but as is the case with all of the company’s pre-release and evaluation software, this release is also time-bombed.

“The Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name “R2” November Community Technology Preview (CTP) is now available on the Download Center,” revealed Microsoft’s Lynnette McL. “We invite you to install this pre-release of the next version of Commerce Server 2009 “R2” into a non-production environment to learn how Commerce Server 2009 “R2” provides an improved business management experience, enhanced cross-channel enablement with multi-tier development and deployment support, and a more streamlined deployment experience.”

Microsoft recommends that customers deploy the latest pre-release variant of Commerce Server 2009 R2 on a clean machine. In this sense, the company has made sure that the bits are accompanied by additional downloads such as the Commerce Server 2009 code name “R2” readme file and the Installation and Configuration Guide. All that customers need do is to download Commerce Server 2009 R2 November 2009 CTP DVD ISO Image and start test driving the solution in their environments. According to the software giant, they will have half a year to play around with this specific release of Commerce Server 2009 R2.

“Given the pre-release nature of this release, not all functionality is currently available. The release is for evaluation purposes only and is not intended to be used in a production environment. The November CTP will not function after June 6, 2010,” Lynnette added.

Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name "R2" - November 2009 Community Technical Preview - DVD ISO Image File is available for download here.