Microsoft is looking for existing customers with a current maintenance plan to participate in the SL 8.0 beta or TAP (Technology Adoption Program).
The beta testing will run from June to December 2010. There are three planned beta releases with the first release the week of June 7th. Customers that wish to participate need to reply by May 26, 2010 to nkirita@microsoft.com .
If you are a LinkedIn member you can review the posting by Kerri Kirita in the Dynamics SL User Group forum.
Microsoft Dynamics SL 8.0 is gearing up to be an exciting release but beta testing is not for the faint of heart. To begin with, you need to have a separate test environment. Beta releases must be installed within 5 days of availability. Written feedback of your testing results is required. In the past there has been no upgrade path from the beta release to the RTM (Release to Market) version. In other words, at the end of your testing your would wipe the beta version and install the final release if you plan to maintain a test environment.
If there is key functionality in SL 8.0 that is important to your organization you may want to consider participating in the beta program. This will give you the opportunity to test and provide feedback on these features prior to final release.
Reviewing the Draft System Requirements, Windows XP was noticeably missing from the list of supported workstation operating systems. The options are Windows 7 or Vista. Windows 7 is the obvious choice. I was happy to see SharePoint 2010 listed as supported for Business Portal as well as Office 2010. The document clearly states this is a draft and may change for the release to market so there is hope for the die hard Windows XP users.
If you plan to participate in the beta or TAP, please let us know via email to acumaticasupport@swktech.com. We can provide SL 8.0 beta installation and testing assistance to help your organization be an effective TAP participant.
If you have questions or need assistance with your Microsoft Dynamics SL application please email us at acumaticasupport@swktech.com .
