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Just announced: TFS Express

Just before the availability of  VS/TFS 11 Beta, Microsoft introduces a new download of TFS, called Team Foundation Server Express, that includes core developer features:

  • Source Code Control
  • Work Item Tracking
  • Build Automation
  • Agile Taskboard
  • and more…

It’s a FREE version of TFS for individuals and teams of up to 5 users.

The Express edition is essentially the same TFS as you get when you install the TFS Basic wizard except that the install is trimmed down and streamlined to make it incredibly fast and easy. In addition to the normal TFS Basic install limitations (no Sharepoint integration, no reporting), TFS Express:

  1. Is limited to no more than 5 named users.
  2. Only supports SQL Server Express Edition
  3. Can only be installed on a single server (no multi-server configurations)
  4. Includes the Agile Taskboard but not sprint/backlog planning or feedback management.
  5. Excludes the TFS Proxy and the new Preemptive analytics add-on.

More users can be added by buying Client Access Licenses (CALs) for the additional users. And even upgrading to a full TFS license is supported without losing any data.

Another thing I noticed is that Microsoft finally enabled TFS integration in their Visual Studio Express products. The Visual Studio Express client integration with work with any Team Foundation Server – including both TFS Express and the Team Foundation Service. No excuses left to not start using TFS.

Installation of TFS Express will be done by just clicking on a link, running the web installer and you’re up and running in no time.

Maybe there will be a free version of Team Foundation Service too?

And here is the link to the official blog post by Brian Harry: Coming Soon TFS Express.

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