Why We Use Silverlight
Technology to Develop Rich Internet Applications?
Microsoft Silverlight
is becoming increasingly popular as a browser plug-in. This is basically an
application framework that helps in running internet applications. Silverlight
has the same features and fulfills the same purposes as Adobe Flash. It can be used
for browsers running in Windows and Mac OS. It has been developed to enhance
browser experiences in terms of media, graphics and animations.
Silverlight was
initially launched in 2007 and there have been five versions released to date.
A free version known as Moonlight was developed by Novell. This was done in
collaboration with Microsoft and was compatible with other operating systems
like Linux as well. The later versions were compatible with phones too.
Silverlight has a
number of advantages for both users and developers. It is because of these
advantages that it has become extremely popular over the years. Silverlight has
even been able to overshadow Adobe Flash.
Internet users with
Silverlight-enabled browsers can use media applications, stream videos and
music and play games within the browser. It provides an enhanced experience to
its users with improved graphics. It has the same functionality as Adobe Flash
but Microsoft claims that Silverlight is smoother and faster.
The latest Deep Zoom
feature in Silverlight has made it even more popular among users. It is claimed
to be the best zooming technology on the Web yet. It allows users to zoom in
for more detail and clarity in images with high-resolution. It also allows the
browser to display thousands of images at once.
Mobile broadband deals
from Broadband Expert allow users to use these Silverlight-based applications
on their phones. They can experience the enhanced speed and graphics in these
applications in their mobile phone browsers.
There are several
advantages associated with Silverlight, which help developers in making rich
internet applications. Silverlight is very easy to use for developers who have
experience with .NET technology. Silverlight allows them to design the
prototypes of applications quickly and easily.
Software like
Expression Studio are easy to comprehend and use while others like Perspective
3D Graphics allow developers to design 3-dimensional graphics and effects in
real time. This can be done while using live data.
Many developers have
started to switch from developing Flash-based applications to Silverlight-based
versions.
Silverlight is not
pre-installed for any browser. It has to be downloaded and then installed as a
plug-in. It is compatible with all the popular browsers and the installation
process is quick. There is no need to reboot the system after the installation
is complete. Users simply have to close and restart the browser itself.
Uninstalling
Silverlight is easy too. Users simply have to remove it like any other tool
through the “Control Panel” option.
Microsoft Silverlight’s
market share has improved drastically over the last five years. This software
has become increasingly popular among users all over the world. There was a
time when Adobe Flash was available with 90 percent of all browsers but now
Silverlight has approximately 30 percent of the market share.
Ease of use, speed and
functionality were the key factors that helped Silverlight gain a competitive
edge over Flash. Its smoother and faster performance for users is made even
better with mobile broadband deals from Broadband Expert.
For developers, the
tools available for developing rich internet applications for Silverlight users
are unique. They are easy and fast in terms of usage as well as more adaptable
and flexible than their competitor.
The many advantages
that are associated with Microsoft Silverlight have made it an attractive
option for users. As the number of users
switching to Silverlight increases, developers too are starting to switch to
this platform. A large number of developers are now using Silverlight to
develop rich internet applications rather than Adobe Flash.
It allows both users
and application developers a unique and improved experience for media and
graphical use. They are able to explore new horizons with this software.
Silverlight has been able to set new standards and benchmarks in the browser
plug-in world and is quickly overtaking Adobe Flash. Microsoft has proved the
fact that they are indeed the software giants in the world.