Silverlight is Microsoft’s answer for JavaScript. This web and applications development application has created a buzz because not only it is endorsed by Microsoft; it offers interactivity that would rival JavaScript. It could be developed as an application, a plug-in or could be integrated to a website.
Silverlight could be accessed in most browsers and in most operating systems on desktops and in mobile devices. This is often compared to Adobe’s Flash because of its multi-media functions but it comes close to web and applications development languages such as Ajax and even Java.
However, Silverlight didn’t come out with flying colors to developers and users. There are different applications and websites today that run on Silverlight and although they look good and even rival the feel it provides to Flash, the applications and websites require a download which is necessary to run Silverlight.
Flash and Java have the same requirement. Flash is lighter than Java but Silverlight is on the heavier side compared to previous languages. This thick client has given different users to think twice of accessing Silverlight powered websites.
Developers also face the challenge of developing applications based on Silverlight. There are new technologies to be learned and it could take months before any application could be made.
Answering that problem is an Israel based software development company called Gizmo Ltd. This company is run by Navot and Gai Peled which are also owners of this small start-up.
Gizmo Ltd. were able to develop a Visual Webgui that could be used by developers to build a Silverlight based application without the need of a thick client download.
Silverlight will basically become an Ajax-like application since the Silverlight will be powered by the server instead of the user. It’s a smart way of building an application which provides ease to users.
Aside from helping the users access Silverlight based applications, Gizmo Ltd. also developed Web Forms for Silverlight.
This is quite a feat for a small company because Web Forms for Silverlight was not yet created. Developers still have to code in developing Silverlight.
With Web Forms, developers could build Silverlight based applications through simple drag and drop. Development of the application is easier since no coding is required.
Visual Webgui is also sensitive to latency that is why reduction of actions in Silverlight based applications has been made possible by Gizmo Ltd.
These add-ons to Silverlight will never cost the developer a dime. However, developers are required to download some extensions for Silverlight which could cost them no less than $200.00. But even with this price, the developers will find this as a good investment.
The possibility of developing Silverlight through drag and drop was not even though of before Gizmo Ltd came up with the idea and the application.
Users will also have a great time enjoying Silverlight with this plug in because they will experience the full power of Silverlight without the thick client.
It may take time before the industry recognizes this tool for Silverlight but once it hits mainstream, Silverlight may have an equal footing with Ajax.
