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Last spring, Microsoft launched a new browser plugin called Silverlight, which was designed to give developers of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) another weapon in their arsenals. Silverlight, which competes with products like Adobe Flash, Java FX, Quicktime, and Adobe Shockwave, allows web-based applications to be developed with animation, vector graphics, and video/audio playback capabilities. Now, as the launch of Silverlight 2.0 nears, RIA development teams are taking notice of the flexibility and convenience of Microsoft’s attempt to rival Adobe.

Silverlight 2.0 is slotted for release sometime in the first quarter of 2008, with a beta version expected in time for Microsoft’s MIX conference in early March. The new version adds value for developers by supporting .NET languages and development tools. This means that content can be coded in a myriad of languages, including some dynamic languages like Ruby and Python. Fast and efficient video delivery and animation is Microsoft’s main focus with Silverlight, and it appears to be paying off.

Some of the features that have RIA developers eagerly awaiting Silverlight 2.0 include:

• Support for Windows-based and Macintosh systems (Linux support is in the works through third-party Moonlight)
• Quality vector-based graphics, media, animation, text, and video which can be integrated into an existing web app
• Enhancement capability for existing standards in RIAs (AJAX, etc.)
• Fast installation due to small (2 MB) file size
• Ability to work in a variety of browsers
• Choice of development languages using .NET framework
• Uniformity in media format which can be scaled for different media (HD or mobile), and support for WMA and MP3 audio
• Text-based XAML format which allows RIA content to be searched and indexed

The tool’s creators hope that Silverlight will stand up to the unusual scrutiny that is so often directed at Microsoft products. They want to present a solid, attractive alternative to Adobe products, which have dominated the design world, while still appealing to developers. In a recent interview with eWeek, Cynergy Systems VP Dave Wolf describes the reason he things Silverlight will take off. “There is no question that the Microsoft developer community is huge, passionate and, for the most part, they get enterprise software development.” For industry insiders like Wolf, Silverlight is a flexible option for developers who don’t use Flash technology.

Silverlight has won several awards, including CNET’s Webware 100 Award, which is significant since it’s based on voting by industry insiders. It’s an early victory for a relatively young technology. Perhaps the most promising thing about Silverlight’s positive reception is the continued expansion of RIAs into the mainstream. More and more developers are relying on technology which allows the seamless incorporation of multiple media, and Silverlight is another step in that direction. The web application world is becoming more inclusive of video, sound, and animation, and users are starting to expect a web experience saturated with these interactive elements. Silverlight 2.0 will make it easier and more efficient for developers to give the people what they want. And that is always a good thing.

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 Both comments and pings are currently closed.

By Haley January Eckels