I've had a number of customers asking about the availability of BizTalk 2009 and whether they can get on the tap program, and unfortunately the answer has been no.

However, today we have opened up a general beta of BizTalk Server 2009.  Download the beta from the connect site.  Customers and partners are encouraged to begin developing and testing solutions on this feature complete beta, and to provide feedback for the final release due in the first half of 2009.

In addition, today we are also making available some updated Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) guidance and making available the BizTalk RFID Module and BizTalk Standards Pack.

If you are considering trying out BizTalk 2009, I'm interested in talking to you.  Feel free to contact me and let me know what you are up to.