Microsoft launches BizTalk Server 2009

A new version of the Microsoft BizTalk Server product has been launched.

The offering lets businesses connect disparate applications and systems, enabling users to send documents between different platforms, for example.

BizTalk Server 2009 is the sixth version of the product so far and includes greater support for technologies such as including Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

It also provides new integrated capabilities for developers, including visual debugging, unit testing and access to code artefacts.

Dan Neault, general manager of Microsoft SQL Server and BizTalk Server at Microsoft, said BizTalk Server 2009 will help users "to more efficiently connect processes, systems and data, which is critical to reducing costs and enabling informed business decisions across their organisations".

More than 8,500 companies worldwide - including 12 of the 15 biggest retailers - currently use BizTalk Server as part of their overall web hosting strategies.

Written by Dipika Patel