Microsoft Debuts Silverlight 1.0

Microsoft officially released Silverlight 1.0, its cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering video and richer user experiences on the Web. Silverlight provides enhanced Web audio and video streaming and playback using Windows Media technologies.



Microsoft said it is committed to supporting multiple Operating Systems and browsers, including the Mac. Microsoft is also working with Novell to deliver Silverlight support for Linux, called Moonlight.



In addition to the release of Silverlight 1.0, Microsoft released Expression Encoder 1.0 (formerly Expression Media Encoder), a tool for professionals to encode, enhance and publish rich media content to Silverlight.




A number of major content producers also began showing Silverlight deployments. "Entertainment Tonight," HSN and World Wrestling Entertainment as well as several Microsoft Web initiatives including the "Halo 3" preview, Tafiti.com and The Podium '08 are now showcasing Silverlight.



Microsoft is also launching Silverlight Partner Initiative, a program designed to foster collaboration among solution providers, content delivery networks, tools vendors and design agencies.



"Our expectations for compelling, immersive experiences on the Web are increasing daily," said Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's chief software architect. "With today's release of Silverlight 1.0, we're making it possible for developers and designers to deliver to individuals the kind of high-def experiences they crave by integrating data and services in rich and unique ways. Silverlight will further accelerate the growth in rich interactive applications by giving developers and designers new options for delivering great experiences that span the Web, PC, phone and other devices."



http://www.silverlight.net/http://www.microsoft.com/