Microsoft Silverlight and its Cutting-Edge Services

Microsoft Silverlight is an efficient cross-platform, cross-browser framework which allows developers to create rich internet applications or RIAs in web development. It is a hugely persuasive platform which is heavily used for creating interactive business applications for different websites, even offline devices and the mobile world. It is also a free plug-in which is freely distributed with all browsers, devices and operating systems as it defines a new era of user experience and interactivity.

Silverlight has a fantastic graphics system which integrates animation, vector graphics and even some profound multimedia features. It can be run in a single runtime environment too and is always interactive. The latest version offers rich class and user interface library which helps in quick web development support for different programming languages.

Not every company has Microsoft Silverlight developers who have large years of experience since the technology is new. There are very rare companies who have completed more than 25 projects in the domain. It is important to set applications which match the customer’s budget their interests. It also allows for highly dynamic and responsive websites which load fast and resemble the processing speed and load time of desktops. Real-time update is a prominent feature of Silverlight and one does not need to refresh the webpage too for loading.

Some companies also have rich experience in Silverlight and .NET programming and not many companies can boast about customers who vouch for their expertise and commitment to overall growth.  A host of web development companies are now interested in Silverlight development for web design and development services. It is particularly tough to get hold of experienced Silverlight Developers who can say that they have in-depth knowledge of the technology. The clients are always in the lookout of talent in the field but not many have managed to gain success.

Here are some of the benefits offered by Silverlight

• The next generation Rich Internet Application development using Silverlight Asp .Net
• Cross compatibility between RIA applications developed through Silverlight
• Engaging user experience with the apps on all browsers
• Easy integration and migration with existing third-party web applications
• Quick delivery of high quality audio, video and even graphics
• Support for LINQ and LINQ-to-XML
• Support for third party codecs
• High consistency and interactive user experience
• Application run without refresh; automatic loading

To leverage the features offered by Silverlight, many companies offer the following services

• RIA Development and add-ons using several features of Silverlight
• Audio and video integration with Silverlight
• Rich animation and multimedia for enhanced user experience
• Silverlight UI design and development
• Integration of Silverlight functionalities in websites
• Widget and game development
• Integrate with JavaScript and Ajax with current Silverlight applications

It is important to choose an efficient and effective web development provider who can deliver the project on time and within budget. Expertise and experience should be adjudged after a particular pilot project is fulfilled upto expectations. One needs to take care of the whole process from the initial design to final stage. Additionally, one needs to understand that the effects and animation should not be too jarring for websites, but should be used only when needed.

The Present State of Silverlight Development and its Future: Is it Going to Die?

Microsoft had pitted its own Silverlight as a competitor to Adobe Flash some years back. Silverlight development involves the blend of animations, graphics and all types of multimedia very effectively and efficiently. The demand for Silverlight development has taken a beating in recent times but it is still preferred by many for their interactive applications. It is popular among different types of businesses across the globe for web development. Silverlight also delivers a rich and high quality experience of video. The developers work on different web applications using the technology effectively. The advantage is that it can work with browser efficiently even though a plug-in might be required to run it.

The rumors around Microsoft are floating considerably about Silverlight. Most analysts believe that Silverlight is dead or will soon be dead since Microsoft is preferring HTML 5 as the go-to web development technology as the future.

But there is more than what meets the eye. It is feasible to envision that Microsoft might want to think about stopping Silverlight since the advent of HTML5 which is touted to be the future or the go-to solution for web development. There are many communities who are actually speculating that Microsoft will let Silverlight go because of the problems involved. Microsoft has committed on the release of Silverlight 5 which might be bigger and better for many reasons. This has lessened the rumors but the future of Silverlight development is not certain.

Some of the analysts again claimed that Silverlight might die after it releases its version 5. I personally do not think so since Silverlight development drives many companies to create innovation applications during web development. There are several issues which would certainly prevent Microsoft from pulling the plug from Silverlight.

Silverlight is the go-to technology for Microsoft’s huge family of products. Windows Phone 7 is the latest entrant to embrace Silverlight and CRM 2011 is to be extended too using Silverlight.

There are numerous Microsoft partnerships which center on Silverlight technology right from component vendors to the end clients. Now there might be some legal connection with Silverlight and the clients but the main problem is that Microsoft will find its whole ecosystem under trouble. The Microsoft Development stack up will face problems if Silverlight is discontinued.

Microsoft has certainly decided that they have already shifted most of their future strategies from Silverlight to focus on LOB applications. There is no focus as yet on a platform independent browser on the basis of which Silverlight started. The focus has shifted to greener pastures, one must say.

Most analysts who are not negative about HTML 5 as the go-to-technology would prefer Silverlight to continue as a technology but should not try to be on every browser. The marketing of Silverlight and its development can go on expected lines of revamping it with the course of the end of the year. Chances are that with its survival, it might be able to resurface again as one of the most competent technologies that Microsoft has ever produced!