If you are reading my blog, then by now you have figured out that Visual Studio 2005 Beta 2 has gone live. The download for MSDN Subscribers is free, if you can wait until your connection has pulled in 3.75 GB. Alternatively, you may order a DVD for a minimal cost.
I haven't tried it yet, but I will be sure to validate that all the bugs I posted on "LadyBug" have been resolved. I'll keep everyone updated.
The good news is that Microsoft now allows Beta 2 applications to be used in production environments. You will need to agree to the Go-Live license.
More good news comes from my web host, CrystalTech. I have always been impressed with them, but now they are offering anyone a free ASP.NET 2.0 Beta 2 test platform. You can find the details here. As can be expected, the plan does not contain all the features of their commercial plans, but they do give 30 MB of SQL Server disk space and 30 MB of MySQL disk space for free, and even 5 e-mail accounts. They even offer support!