Posted on 09/05/2007 7:31:43 AM PDT by N3WBI3
Redmond works with Novell to port 'Flash killer' Robert Jaques, vnunet.com 05 Sep 2007 ADVERTISEMENT
Microsoft is to make its recently unveiled Silverlight 'Flash killer' plug-in available on Linux.
The commercial release of Silverlight 1.0 is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering richer user experiences on the web.
Microsoft confirmed that it will work with Novell to deliver Silverlight support for Linux, called Moonlight, based on the project started on mono-project.com.
The Redmond giant unveiled Silverlight at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference in April and released the beta version to the public in May.
Silverlight claims to significantly reduce development and deployment costs, and provides enhanced web audio and video streaming and playback using Windows Media.
Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at Microsoft, said: "With today's release of Silverlight 1.0, we are 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."
Ozzie added that Silverlight 1.0 will offer developers and designers new options for delivering content across multiple platforms including web, PC, phone and other devices.
The decision to work with Novell to offer Silverlight support for the Linux platform is in direct response to customer feedback, both companies said.
Microsoft is also rolling out the Silverlight Partner Initiative. More than 35 companies have already signed up to support Silverlight.
OSS Ping
This may be an example of how this MS/Novell deal can hurt MS—Working with Novell to produce products for Linux helps all the Linux-based companies, rather than hurting Linux.
I more suspect they are going to try and play the ;only nevoll can use this because of our cross patent agreement..
Perhaps—but there are people very good at reverse engineering to improve Moonlight.
Thats why Bill gates has gone from anti-patent to pro patent he realizes people will always reverse engineer things..
We’ve been using Adobe Flex to build a lot of our new applications, but I’m really excited about Silverlight. Competition is good, and it will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.
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