Many startups have asked me questions regarding Silverlight during the last few weeks. I respond in this blog post to the questions that most people asked me. I also give links to useful resources for startups/developers who want to build on Silverlight.
· What is Microsoft Silverlight? Is it required to use Windows Live Silverlight Streaming?
Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web.
Silverlight 1.0 is the runtime currently available in beta for Mac or for Windows (the programming language is Javascript).
The runtime required to view Silverlight applications created with .NET is Silverlight 1.1, which is available in Alpha for Mac or for Windows. The Silverlight CLR contains a JIT compiler which yields up-to-1000x-faster performance than JavaScript
To download the plug-ins and learn more about Silverlight, go to the page http://silverlight.net/GetStarted/
Microsoft Silverlight Streaming by Windows Live is a companion service for Silverlight that offers web designers and developers a free and convenient solution for hosting and streaming cross-platform, cross-browser media experiences and rich interactive applications that run on Windows and Mac.
The runtime plug-in does not require the Silverlight Streaming service to run. Developers/web sites can store the files of their Silverlight application (XAML files, photos and videos) on their own web server.
· Does the Silverlight runtime require a Microsoft platform backend infrastructure?
No, Silverlight works with any back-end Web platform or technology. No “rip and replace” is required – Silverlight integrates with your existing infrastructure and applications, including Apache, PHP, as well as Javascript and XHTML on the client.
Benefits of Windows server-based distribution of Silverlight applications include Windows Media Services with Fast Stream (instant playback) and Fast reconnect technologies, lower distribution costs (streaming users only download what they watch).
· What do developers get with Silverlight Streaming by Windows Live?
Silverlight Streaming is focused on enabling developers deploying Silverlight experiences. While the product is in pre-release, storage and delivery is free up to 4 GB, with outbound streaming up to 700 Kbps. As we move out of Beta, developers/designers will have continued use of the service with up to 1 million minutes of free video streaming at 700 Kpbs per site per month. Unlimited streaming will also be available for free with advertising, or with payment of a nominal fee for the service for use without advertising.
Customers requiring additional capabilities for large-scale delivery and guaranteed service levels are encouraged to contact a Windows Media Streaming Hosting Provider.
For more information on Silverlight Streaming, go to http://dev.live.com/silverlight/
· Are MSN Soapbox and Silverlight Streaming competing?
No, Silverlight Streaming is the platform on which you can build a service like Soapbox.
· Which tools are available to help developers/designers build Silverlight applications?
Developer Tools: Visual Studio and other Javascript development tools can be used. For the Silverlight browser plug-in version 1.1 (in alpha), there is an add-on for Visual Studio Orcas available to create Silverlight applications using .NET Microsoft Silverlight Tools Alpha for Visual Studio codename "Orcas" Beta 1
Designer Tools: Expression Blend 2 May Preview (professional design tool to create user interaction for Silverlight), Expression Design (a professional illustration and graphic design tool to create Silverlight assets) and Expression Media Encoder May Preview (feature that will be part of Microsoft Expression Media that allows you to create and enhance video).
· Where can I get support?
If you have any question regarding Silverlight, you should search the Silverlight forum. The development team of Silverlight monitors and responds to this forum. It usually takes a few days to get a response.
You can also look at the Silverlight FAQ .
