Historically, when Microsoft announces a “platform alignment” for BizTalk Server, it typically signifies the release of a new product version. These updates ensure compatibility with the latest technologies and operating environments. For example:
- BizTalk Server 2020: Aligned with Windows Server 2019, SQL Server 2019, and Visual Studio 2019.
- BizTalk Server 2016: Aligned with Windows Server 2016, SQL Server 2016, and Visual Studio 2015.
Each version also brings enhancements, bug fixes, and sometimes new features, though the primary focus is often on ensuring the product can be deployed on modern infrastructure.
Thus, we would expect the same to occur when the product team undertakes a similar effort for BizTalk Server 2020, leading to the release of BizTalk Server 2024. But, for the very first time in 24 years, they didn’t. Instead, Microsoft decided to release a new BizTalk Server 2020 Cumulative Update 6 that provides a new platform alignment for BizTalk Server 2020, alongside fixes for existing issues.
After numerous attempts to publicly undermine the product by many, the lion roars once again.
From now on, you can install BizTalk Server 2020 aligned with Windows Server 2022 and SQL Server 2022. However, you still need to use Visual Studio 2019 in development environments.
This is a clear message that the Microsoft product group will not abandon their existing BizTalk Server clients that, for any reason, are not yet migrating to Azure or are not planning to migrate to Azure. This alignment is very important because BizTalk Server 2020 mainstream support ends on April 11, 2028, with extended support ending on Apr 9, 2030, but:
- SQL Server 2019 – version support by default in BizTalk Server 2020 – mainstream support ends on February 28, 2025 – way before BizTalk Server
- And Windows Server mainstream support ended on January 9, 2024!
With this new Platform Alignment, with this “new version” of BizTalk Server 2022, we now have our BizTalk Server environment fully supported:
- BizTalk Server 2020 mainstream support ends April 11, 2028 (extended support ends April 9, 2030).
- Windows Server 2022 mainstream support ends on October 13, 2026 (extended support ends on October 14, 2031).
- SQL Server 2022 mainstream support ends on January 11, 2028 (extended support ends on January 11, 2033).
For the haters… and other vendors
I know that many will argue and say that it is just a platform alignment. There is no new feature, and there is no roadmap, so this is the last version of the product.
My honest response is:
- Yes, this is just a platform alignment, as it was from BizTalk Server 2016 to BizTalk Server 2020.
- It is correct that there are no new features, but to be honest, BizTalk Server does not need any new features! It has full connectivity to the cloud to create amazing hybrid integrations. Developers can extend BizTalk in all layers! What clients mainly need is support. How many of you see applications developed in BizTalk Server 2004 just being migrated as-is to all versions of BizTalk?
- SQL Server on-premises does not have a roadmap, and I don’t see everyone announcing that it is dead and that SQL Server 2022 is the last version of the product.
So, stop pushing the message that the BizTalk Server is dead and that you need to migrate to Mulesoft or any other competitor.
The correct message is that:
- Microsoft fully supports the BizTalk Server. This is a very important product, and many organizations are still using it. However, Microsoft will not invest in any new features of the product. Once again, not needed.
- There isn’t any official announcement that the BizTalk Server will be deprecated.
- All Microsoft investments and new features will appear in Azure Integration Services, which you can still use by connecting your existing BizTalk Server solutions to these services.
- Microsoft will make the transition from BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services simpler and easier for clients who want to move from on-premise solutions to the power of cloud computing every day.
I love Enterprise Integration, which means I love BizTalk Server and Azure Integration Services. These are two amazing products/services that allow clients to do magic with their integration solutions!
By the way, BizTalk Server is fully supported by virtual machines on the cloud.
If you’ve had the opportunity to speak with me at any of the various events over the past few years, you’ll know that I’ve always maintained the same opinion: for me, it doesn’t matter whether Microsoft releases a new version of the product, a cumulative update, or a feature pack. What truly matters to me and my clients is that it supports the latest operating system and SQL Server versions. This ensures access to the latest security updates, cumulative patches, and ongoing product support. As for the rest, all the key features that everyone desires for free or as part of other products have already been part of BizTalk Server since 2004 and/or 2006.
I hope you find this helpful! If you liked the content or found it useful and want to help me write more, you can help us buy a Star Wars Lego for my son!
