Microsoft announces BizTalk Server 2006

Microsoft yesterday announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of BizTalk Server 2006, Microsoft`s core business process automation and application integration technology, connecting employees, trading partners, processes and information. The release to manufacturing of BizTalk underscores Microsoft`s continued efforts to deliver extensive business process management capabilities as part of the overall Microsoft Application Platform.

With an industry leading installed base of over 6 000 customers worldwide, industry support for BizTalk Server 2006 continues to grow. Today, over 1 100 systems integrators and 20 ISVs are building solutions and software on top of BizTalk Server 2006, including global systems integrators such as Hewlett Packard and Accenture and regional systems integrators and ISVs such as Sapient Corporation and Covast and Sourcecode. Building on the award-winning 2004 version, BizTalk Server 2006 enables organisations to build mission-critical business process management solutions that connecting employees, trading partners, processes and information.

"Integrating disparate applications and automating business processes is no longer a nice to have, it`s an essential part of doing business," says Manoj Bhoola, business group manager; Server and Tools at Microsoft South Africa. "The hallmark of any competitive business is its ability to optimise their processes, enabling them to more efficiently grow their business. With BizTalk Server 2006, businesses of all sizes now have simplified tools to help them integrate systems and better manage their business processes, which ultimately drives increased efficiency, growth and competitive advantage."

Breaking with the industry norm, included with the base offering of BizTalk Server 2006 are more than 20 application and technology adapters and a new business activity monitoring (BAM) portal to help companies integrate diverse applications and optimise their business process management investments for maximum efficiency.

Since the previous release of the product in March of 2004, Microsoft has engaged in a continuous feedback cycle to better meet customer and partner needs with the next version of BizTalk Server. Key enhancements to BizTalk Server 2006 include advanced management and deployment capabilities, as well as upgrades to the product`s business activity monitoring [BAM] features, including proactive alerting functionality. In order to help customers better connect disparate technologies and automate business processes at an affordable price, the latest release of the product also includes more than 20 major adapters. The Enterprise and Standard Editions of BizTalk Server 2006 include adapters such as SAP, Siebel, Peoplesoft, Oracle Database, and JD Edwards.

"Today`s businesses face increasing competition, especially on cost and quality; and stricter regulations require tighter business operations. Only excellent business processes can enable organisations to meet competitive challenges and demonstrate compliance with regulations," says Gartner. "BizTalk Server 2006 delivers a set of capabilities and adapters to manage business processes, all of which are in the box. Further, Microsoft has a unique vision for business process management, and is well positioned to address customer needs in this area moving forward."