Feature Pack Next for Commerce Server

As the first Commerce Server release since Microsoft tabled plans for Jupiter (its long-term design to merge Commerce Server with BizTalk and Content Management Server), Feature Pack 1 (FP1) introduces a new Web services architecture and WinForms-based applications for accessing Commerce Server’s business management functions. FP1 addresses a major complaint about previous versions, namely that Commerce Server’s business management application (a Web application called the Business Desk) was difficult to use and slow, and it signals Microsoft’s commitment to continued Commerce Server releases.

New Web Services Architecture

Commerce Server’s Business Desk is a Web-based tool used to manage business data and functions such as user profiles, product catalogs, and marketing campaigns. FP1 introduces a new business management architecture that incorporates the following components:

• Web services that expose the managed code APIs introduced in Commerce Server 2002
• A client-side agent that