The second beta test version of Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 was released this month. Visual Studio 2008 enables developers to rapidly create connected applications that deliver the highest quality rich user experiences. It will make it easier than ever to capture and analyze information, and to rapidly create more secure, manageable & reliable applications that take advantage of Vista and the 2007 Office system. Beta 1 of then-code-named “Orcas” was released this past April, and the final release is expected in late February 2008. Visual Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 are also expected to ship at that time.

What was believed to be one of the largest global software piracy ring in the world has been busted. Raids in the southern region of China were led by the U.S., China and Microsoft, and exposed a $2 billion dollar software piracy ring. 13 products in 8 languages – including Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Symantec software – were distributed across 26 different countries. And the 55,000 copies that were confiscated only represent 1% of the estimated output of these programs. China has long been the world’s leading source of illegally copied goods, including clothes, movies and music. 24 people have been arrested.

The most comprehensive collections from Adobe’s Creative Suite 3 line are now shipping. The release of Creative Suite 3 Production Premium and Creative Suite 3 Master Collection complete the CS3 roll out, the biggest release in Adobe’s 25 year history. Production Premium (MSRP $1,699) is a collection of integrated post-production software tools for video professionals working with film, broadcast, DVD, Web and mobile devices. Master Collection (MSRP $2,499) combines all 12 of Adobe’s design and development tools for the professional who is increasingly being asked to work with multiple media types. Both programs are available for Windows and Mac platforms and are now shipping. Also included in this release were these individual applications: Adobe After Effects CS3 Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro CS3, and Adobe Soundbooth CS3.