Multiple sources have been suggesting to the CNET website that Microsoft may follow along the same lines as Adobe have with their mobile Flash player and scrap any further development of their Silverlight software after the release of Silverlight 5, which is expected to be launched very soon.
Sources have revealed that Silverlight 5 may be the last version of Silverlight that Microsoft will release, but nothing has officially been released or announced by Microsoft at the moment. However, Microsoft will need to give developers and customers a year heads-up before ending Silverlight support.
The Rise and Fall of Silverlight
Silverlight was initially launched by Microsoft in 2007 as a powerful tool for creating rich internet applications, similar to Adobe Flash. It was designed to work across multiple web browsers and operating systems, providing a consistent user experience. Silverlight gained popularity for its ability to stream high-quality video and audio, and it was used by major companies like Netflix for their streaming services.
Despite its early success, Silverlight faced increasing competition from emerging technologies such as HTML5, which offered similar capabilities without the need for a browser plugin. As HTML5 became more widely adopted, the demand for Silverlight began to decline. Developers and companies started to shift their focus towards HTML5 due to its open standards and better compatibility with modern web browsers and mobile devices.
Implications for Developers and Users
The potential discontinuation of Silverlight has significant implications for both developers and users. For developers, the end of Silverlight means transitioning to alternative technologies for creating rich internet applications. Many developers have already started to adopt HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript as their primary tools for web development. These technologies offer greater flexibility and are supported by all major web browsers, making them a more future-proof choice.
For users, the discontinuation of Silverlight may result in some older applications and websites becoming obsolete if they are not updated to use modern technologies. However, the shift towards HTML5 and other open standards is expected to provide a better overall user experience, with faster load times, improved security, and greater compatibility across devices.
Microsoft’s decision to potentially end Silverlight development aligns with the broader industry trend of moving away from proprietary plugins in favor of open web standards. This transition is expected to benefit the web development community by promoting interoperability and reducing the reliance on specific technologies.
For more information on the speculation, jump over to the CNET website.
Source: CNET
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