Yes indeed, recall back in January when we learned that ArcGIS 9.4 release was renamed ArcGIS 10. Read on for what you can expect at 10.0 and hear directly from Jack Dangermond

Recall from the ESRI Speaker series ... From Jack… the team has been working on this release.. and he notes how this [release] is much bigger than a dot release, hence the version jump. 10.0 is Important because it makes the UI much easier, expect more integrated productivity tools; map creation is easier as is editing, enhancements to web editing… imagine much more User Generated Content (UGC) on the web; better management of imagery (desktop and server). At this release ArcGIS become a full 3D GIS, analysis, visualization.. one can do virtually everything they do in 2D in 3D. Listen to ESRI President Jack Dangermond explain why in a podcast.

What's Coming

ArcGIS 10 is a major release of all aspects of ArcGIS and is designed to help you perform your GIS work faster. Some of the highlights include the following:

Perform Your ArcGIS Desktop Work More Efficiently

    * Faster, more responsive drawing performance including smooth, continuous panning of your data
    * Easier access to most commonly used geoprocessing tools
    * New Search window in ArcMap to let you quickly locate maps, data, and tools
    * Catalog window built into ArcMap for quick data access
    * Easier and faster ways to find and use symbols and tools
    * Auto hide and dockable windows (e.g., table of contents) so your focus remains on the map
    * Ability to execute geoprocessing in the background, allowing you to continue to interact with your map
    * Automation of additional workflows with Python (maps and layers)
    * Easy-to-use Web APIs and software developer kits (SDKs)
    * Single-line simplified geocoding

Save Time on Map Creation and Production

    * New geoprocessing tools for multiscale map creation (reduce feature count, complexity, and conflicts)
    * Support for layouts with multiple pages for producing map books, including PDFs
    * Dynamic layout of text elements (title, date, page number, etc.)
    * Map templates for high-quality map generation on the desktop and the Web
    * Optimized map service (introduced in 9.3.1) supporting cartographic representations and Maplex labeling authored in ArcMap
    * New compact cache format facilitating the creation and management of large map caches
    * Enhanced integration of ArcGIS Server with ArcGIS Desktop for map production via geoprocessing services and Python

Manage and Create Data More Easily

    * Open access to the geodatabase
    * Integration of a new window in ArcMap to simplify project management and collaboration
    * New Query layers that allow you to access all data (including spatial data) stored in relational databases via standard SQL

Access Improved 2D and 3D Editing and Design with Desktop, Mobile, and Web Clients

    * New sketch-based editing so you can choose from a customizable on-screen palette of features in desktop and Web clients
    * Easier access to common editing tools in ArcMap, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe
    * Ability to edit the geodatabase over the Web with the new Feature Editing Service
    * New customizable ArcGIS Mobile application for mobile and Tablet PC devices

See more on ArcGIS 10 HERE