With more applications moving to the Web, more people using the Web to find information and more visual clutter to cut through, developers are eager for new ways to make Web content stand out so that people take notice. To support these needs, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft® Silverlight™ browser plug-in. Silverlight provides enhanced audio and video streaming and playback over the Web using Windows Media® technologies and allows developers to integrate data and services in rich, unique ways. Silverlight also gives developers and designers new options for delivering great experiences that span the Web, computers, phones and other devices. When Microsoft introduced Silverlight in September 2007, the plug-in was available for Windows®-based operating systems and the Macintosh* platform. However, customers immediately asked for a version of Silverlight that they could run on Linux-based computers.
Solution OverviewMicrosoft worked with Novell to create an open source implementation of Silverlight called Moonlight™. Moonlight delivers to the Linux* environment the same rich media capabilities currently available for the Windows and Macintosh environments. Moonlight runs on major Linux distributions and supports the Firefox* 2 and 3 Web browsers. It supports both the JavaScript* programming model available in Silverlight 1.0, as well as the Microsoft .NET Framework programming model enabled in Silverlight 2.0. Moonlight will be available as a single, free download from Novell, which includes support for viewing both Silverlight 1.0 and Silverlight 2.0 content.
Developers and designers can use the Microsoft Visual Studio® development system and Microsoft Expression® to develop Silverlight programs; those programs will run automatically on Linux using Moonlight. Simply speaking, Moonlight provides Linux users a way to consume Silverlight content being created for the Web.
Business BenefitsMoonlight will give Linux users access to world-class Web experiences that incorporate video, animation, interactivity and stunning user interfaces. Developers gain new tools for differentiating and enhancing their Web applications without increasing development costs.
For users—Enhanced high-definition Web experiences:
• Custom-branded Web experiences using two-dimensional vector graphics,
animation, styling and skinning
• Highly sophisticated, rich interactive applications across major browsers on Macintosh, Windows, Linux and devices
• High-definition video and advanced streaming techniques for world-class media experiences
• Unparalleled interactivity with high-resolution content through Deep Zoom technology
For developers—Compelling development platform:
• One development effort can address all Windows, Macintosh and Linux-based Web users
• Reduced development and deployment costs
• Stunning vector-based graphics, media, text and animation, and overlays that enable seamless integration of graphics and effects into any existing Web application
• Cost-effective media delivery using the Windows Server® operating system
• Thriving ecosystem of .NET and Windows Media-focused partners, developers and applications
Microsoft and Novell: Building Bridges
On November 2, 2006, Novell and Microsoft announced a series of agreements to jointly build, market and support new solutions to make Microsoft and Novell® products work better together. Since forging the five-year agreement, the two companies have rolled out six interoperability initiatives and an interoperability lab where they are testing and optimizing the joint solutions. The aim is to help customers reduce data center costs, gain new levels of flexibility and streamline operations—all with complete peace of mind around licensing and integration.
To Learn MoreFor more information on Moonlight, visit
www.go-mono.com/moonlight.