Microsoft has announced plans to deliver the beta version of its Commerce Server 2006 .Net-based e-commerce offering.

The software giant said that Commerce Server 2006 will allow customers to link e-commerce systems to existing line-of-business applications and trading partners through integration with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006.

The application also supports integration with back-end systems from SAP and Oracle.

In addition, Commerce Server 2006 will offer a new production-ready starter site to help customers build e-commerce systems based on web services and service-oriented architectures.

Capabilities include catalogue browsing, searching, shopping cart, checking out, profile management and personalisation.

The starter site also includes multilingual and multicurrency support to enable customers to create a global presence.

New tools such as Customer and Order Manager, Catalog Manager, Marketing Manager and Reports and Analytics will help business users interact with their e-commerce sites.

"By providing tighter integration with BizTalk Server 2006, SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005, Commerce Server 2006 enables customers to reduce costs and accelerate revenue growth through automated delivery of online services and products," said Steven Martin, director of the Connected Systems Division at Microsoft.

Commerce Server 2006 Beta is available on Microsoft Connect. Sign-up instructions are available online here. 

The software is scheduled for release in July 2006. Pricing and licensing details will be available at a later date.