Recently, we have launched the Technology Adoption Program (TAP) for Commerce Server 2009 Code Name “R2” – which is the next version of Commerce Server. This is highlighted in the team blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/commerce/archive/2009/06/22/the-next-version-of-commerce-server-codename-r2-is-on-its-way.aspx – where you can get the full details.

If you sign up, you will get:

• One-on-One briefing
• Early access to next-generation bits
• Direct interaction with the product group

The obvious question is what’s in it for me? If I sign-up to be on the bleeding edge – surely I’ll have a bumpier road than if I went with a released version. Although that is true, you will also get at least 1-2, possibly more years less lifespan out of the solution.

Investments required in an eCommerce deployment, like Point-of-Sale (POS), are typically large and complex. The goal is to get as long of a runway as possible out of an investment. For POS, it is typically 7+ years, with 10 being idea. For eCommerce, it  should be at least 5 years, with more being ideal. TAP helps you achieve just that. By deploying early, you will be live in production before the start of the 5-year standard support lifecycle clock starts. Deploying on a previous version can mean that you will get less than 5 years, some cases considerably so. Above the 5-year standard support lifecycle, Microsoft products enter what is known as extended support – see http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy. At that point, support options become considerably more limited – and potentially costly. So, a little up front bleeding edge roughness…can save a whole lot downstream if you want to use your deployment for a long time!

Something to consider! Hope this helps!