Microsoft Corp. unveiled Microsoft Silverlight®, a new cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIA) for the Web.
Microsoft Silverlight, previously called Windows® Presentation Foundation Everywhere (WPF/E), offers consistent experiences to both Macintosh and Windows users on a variety of browsers including Internet Explorer®, Firefox and Safari.
Silverlight is based on the .Net Framework and hence, it enables developers and designers to use their existing skills.
Leading media companies and solution providers have announced support for Silverlight including Akamai Technologies, Brightcove, Eyeblaster, Limelight Networks, Major League Baseball, NaviSite Inc., Netflix, Pinnacle Systems Inc., Rhozet Corp., Skinkers, Sonic Solutions, Tarari Inc., Telestream Inc. and Winnov. All have indicated plans to deliver Silverlight-based experiences for their viewers and customers.
"We've consistently heard from the media companies that they want the ability to easily implement key technologies for Internet video and rich broadband experiences," said Bob Mason, chief technology officer at Brightcove. "With the release of Silverlight, Microsoft is bringing rich interactive experiences coupled with the VC-1 video standard into the browser, and we're excited to announce plans to support this technology and continue to give our customers access to the cutting-edge technologies that will drive the growth of Internet TV."
