This is so unusual and cool I just had to post it…Costco.com just sold an original Picasso online for $39,000. The full story is on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6853190/.

And the software running Costco.com is none other than Commerce Server 2002 FP1 with some preview bits from our upcoming Commerce Server 2006 release – see http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/nov04/11-30CostcoEfficienciesPR.asp for the full story if you haven’t already checked it out.

TechEd is coming late this spring for the US and thereafter for international locations. As part of my role, I am responsible for defining Commerce-related content for Commerce Server. We will be featuring CS2006 quite heavily – but I want to ensure that all key customer questions/issues are being answered.

So consider this an official solicitation for feedback – post your thoughts on anything you want to see covered at TechEd pertaining to Commerce Server today!

If so, I have an offer you can’t refuse! The Commerce Server 2006 Technology Adoption Program (TAP) is now open for nominations through the end of January. This program takes the place of Beta/EAP/JDP programs that have been used in the past and serves essentially the same function. There are several options available for participating.

First, the Validation program includes very high-touch and is targeted towards organizations looking to deploy into production with pre-release CS2006 builds supported by PSS. The Evaluation program is much lower touch and is available for those principally interested in examining but not deploying CS2006 prior to its release. Finally, the ISV/SI Partner Validation program is targeted towards those that actually ship solutions based upon Commerce Server – it provides a high degree of touch to help with the migration process.

If you are interested and want to be among the first, please contact Andrew McDonald, who is running the CS2006 TAP Program, at bpidcp@microsoft.com and reference the CS2006 TAP Program Nomination in the e-mail subject. Also, be sure indicate which program you are interested in participating. We look forward to hearing from you!