This past June, Microsoft released the beta version of BizTalk Server 2004, the third generation of the workflow product. Although much of the hype surrounding this version centers on the fact that it is the first deliverable in the “Jupiter” e-business suite, BizTalk Server 2004, in itself, is a very nice upgrade to an already strong product.

For those not familiar with “Jupiter”, it represents Microsoft’s vision for its next generation of e-business software. Its major themes include business process centricity, seamless integration, interoperability and modularity. BizTalk Server 2004 is the workflow engine in this suite. As “Jupiter” evolves, it will be connected with other Microsoft products like Commerce Server, Content Management Server and SharePoint Portal Server to provide the basis for robust internet-based business solutions.

BizTalk Server 2004 is built on the Microsoft .Net framework and is integrated with the Microsoft Office System and Visual Studio .Net. The biggest change in this version is the fact that almost all the BizTalk Server tools are now integrated with Visual Studio .Net. For those familiar with the current version, the functionality associated with the tools has staid the same (the development environment is different) so extensive re-training will not be necessary. Because of the integration with Office System, business forms and processes can be built with InfoPath and then imported into BizTalk Server. InfoPath and Excel can also be used to deliver content to organizational workers.  

At the core of BizTalk Server 2004 are these key features:  

Business Rules Engine

Organizations will have a single workflow engine to build, deliver and manage complex business processes. This engine includes a graphical interface to facilitate the development and application of business rules.