Related: The key to being able to use your miles: Alliances!
Continental has announced that its transition from Skyteam to Star will take place in the 4th quarter of 2009. In addition their new lie-flat Business seats will be implemented at that time as well.
The move adds significant value to banked Continental miles as the Star Alliance is easily superior to Skyteam with regards to mileage ticket availability and breadth of airlines.