MIX 08 - Microsoft Unveils Next Generation Web Technologies at MIX

Today at MIX 08 Microsoft announced/unveiled the following:

· Internet Explorer 8 beta 1: Microsoft unveiled for the first time Internet Explorer 8, showcasing Internet Explorer’s commitment to developers. Internet Explorer 8 offers an unprecedented level of interoperability and tools, enabling developers to be more productive while delivering innovative experiences for end users on the Web. Internet Explorer 8 beta 1 for developers, released today, provides the most extensive support for Internet standards of any Microsoft browser and reduces the amount of time required to bring new experiences online. 

· Silverlight 2 beta: Silverlight 2 supports managed code, includes the core of the Common Language Runtime and adds over two dozen user interface controls (such as button, check box, date controls, gridview and layout) that are designed to be used right out of the box, or to be tweaked with styles. If you need full control over the look and feel, the appearance of any control can be fully determined by templates and control behavior can be modified by hooking events, or ultimately by creating custom controls.

· Expression Studio 2 beta: Expression Studio 2 works seamlessly with Visual Studio to enable better designer and developer collaboration. New features include PHP support in Expression Web and support for Silverlight in Expression Web, Expression Blend, Expression Media Encoder and Expression Design.

· SQL Server Data Services: Microsoft announced a preview of SQL Server Data Services, a building block service designed for developers and businesses that need scalable, easily programmable and cost-effective data storage with robust database query capabilities.

Downloads available:
· Silverlight 2 beta: http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight
· Internet Explorer 8 beta: http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ie8 (or from the Readiness Toolkit)
· Expression Studio 2 beta: http://www.microsoft.com/expression

More information and keynote videos at http://www.visitmix.com

Press release: Microsoft Unlocks the Power of the Web

LiveSide's Kip is also present at MIX 08, you can follow his whereabouts and more from our MIX 08 Page (there's also a link on the homepage at the right).