Release 2 of BizTalk Server 2006, due in the first half of 2007, will add native support for Electronic Data Interchange and AS2, an internet equivalent. Microsoft will also add RFID connectors.
Not surprisingly, the next version of BizTalk will also support of the so-called WinFX group of technologies associated with the Windows Vista platform, and Office 2007.
The announcement was delivered at a supply chain conference because of the huge role that EDI, a 40-year-old technology, plays in the movement of goods.
EDI, the first form of electronic commerce, includes a set of documents used by trading partners. It has been the basis of various rapid response and just in time programs instituted by giants like Wal-Mart or the major automakers.
Traditionally, most ERP programs carried adapters to translate EDI transactions. Now, Microsoft says BizTalk will also step up to fill the bill.
Regarding RFID, BizTalk will treat the devices like printer drivers. The difference is that, with printers a mature technology, the drivers are typically included in the Windows DVD from Microsoft.
By contrast, because RFID technology is still developing, Microsoft will shift the burden to the device manufacture to provide their own CD-ROM or DVD with the device. It would then be installed by BizTalk as a device driver.
The support for WinFX will include support for the WinFX stack including Windows Workflow Foundation and Windows Communication Foundation. Additionally, Office 2007 support will include support for the Office System, the programming extensions to the package.
Early previews of the technology will be made available to customers and partners that can participate in the BizTalk Server 2006 R2 technology adoption program.
