New version of BizTalk includes upgraded EDI and RFID support

At the recent U Connect supply chain conference, Microsoft disclosed its plans for the next version of BizTalk Server, which will include significantly upgraded EDI and RFID support.

Release 2 of BizTalk Server 2006, set for release during the first half of next year, will provide adapters for ANSI X12 and Edifact EDI transactions. Doing so will equip BizTalk with exactly those kinds of adapters currently offered with many ERP packages.

Additionally, BizTalk Server 2006 r2 will support AS2, the standard being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for wrapping EDI transactions inside the MIME email protocol. Using the Internet, AS2 provides a less costly alternative to traditional value-added EDI networks.

The release also will simplify RFID device support by treating RFID device drivers in a manner similar to print drivers. The main difference is that, while Microsoft typically bundles print drivers on the Windows DVD, here the onus would be on the RFID device supplier to provide its own driver installation DVD. However, using a wizard, BizTalk would simplify installation of the device driver.

Finally, and not surprisingly, the next version of BizTalk Server will support the next versions of Microsoft's own platform and Office technologies. It will support the WinFX programming models of the Vista platform, which include the Windows Workflow Foundation (WWF) and Windows Communication Platform (WCF). And it will support the Microsoft Office 2007 System, providing a series of programming APIs for extending Office applications.

Early previews of the technology will be made available to customers and partners that participate in the BizTalk Server 2006 R2 technology adoption program.