14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has made available a new release of the next version of Commerce Server. Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name "R2" currently in development is offered to customers who want to test drive the solution in non-production environments. The past week, Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name "R2" - August 2009 Community Technical Preview - DVD ISO Image File went live on the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft underlined that the August 2009 CTP of Commerce Server 2009 R2 was not feature complete even with the availability of the latest development milestone.
“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 3-tier development and deployment support, and a more streamlined deployment experience,” revealed Lynnette McL, Commerce Server 2009 PM.
Microsoft recommends all customers looking to test drive the new Commerce Server 2009 R2 CTP to perform a clean install of the release. In this regard, customers can access not only the August 2009 CTOP bits but also associated documentation, including resources designed to streamline deployment. Testing the August CTO of Commerce Server 2009 R2 will offer customers a chance to try the following new features: multi-tier development support; Business Administration Ribbon; integrated template pack and the configuration wizard.
At the same time, as it is the case with all pre-release Microsoft software, the Commerce Server 2009 R2 August 2009 CTP is time bombed. This means that, while customers will be able to download and run the solution free of charge, the product will expire next year. “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 August CTP will not function after March 31, 2010,” Microsoft noted.
Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 code name "R2" - August 2009 Community Technical Preview - DVD ISO Image File is available for download here.