BTDF support for BizTalk 2016 - ItemDefinitionGroup Error

You get the error " The element <ItemDefinitionGroup> beneath element <Project> is unrecognized."
when trying to use the sample scripts to set up automated deployment for a BizTalk 2016 application using BTDF. In one way this is a good thing as you're probably one step away from success.

It's an easy fix. the issue is in the BTDF suggested script in the line "%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\MSBuild.exe"... The sample script by default targets MSBuild for the .Net 2.0 framework and BTS 2016 needs MSBuild targeting the .Net 4 framework.

Change the line to "%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\MSBuild.exe" to target MSBuild from the .Net 4 framework and the problem dissolves.

BRE not working

Problem: You're trying to use the BizTalk BRE and it is simply not working. No visible errors found in event logs

Solution: Have you checked that the 'Rule Engine Update Service' is started? Sometimes account changes may affect the service logon. Make sure the service is started and that the username and password under which it is configured are correct.