the business of microsoft silverlight
DESCRIPTION
This session discusses the business aspects of Microsoft Silverlight, including how to ramp up an agency to be ready for Silverlight and how to pitch Silverlight to your clients. Learn how to optimize current workflow, ramp up a team, and achieve a return on Silverlight investments. Learn how the differences between Silverlight 1.0 and 2 affect business and staffing strategy.TRANSCRIPT
The Business of Microsoft SilverlightDanny RiddellPresidentMetaliq
About Metaliq
Founded in 2004Interactive Application DevelopmentFlash, Silverlight 1.0, 2Project Highlights
Top Banana – Silverlight, MIX KeynoteAOL Webmail & Controls
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The Business of Silverlight
Platform discussionSilverlight’s workflow Silverlight showcaseDesigner/developer considerationsBuilding a Silverlight teamPitching Silverlight
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Silverlight
Silverlight 1.0Fully launched player JavaScript Strong video capabilitiesControl development tricky
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Silverlight
Silverlight 1.1 and 2SL 1.1 is now called 2Currently Public Beta 1SL 1.0 in SL 2 playerAll .NET dev languagesEnterprise level appsControl development
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Why there is good potential for the platform to succeed
InternalC# dev community Tutorials and booksAS 3 and C# are similarMultiple dev languages Strong des/dev workflow Affordable Suite of tools ($599)
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Why there is good potential for the platform to succeed
ExternalWMV video librariesMicrosoft internet properties Player download/installationRoom for multiple platformsCompetition is good
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Platform considerations
Player penetration1.5 million/day
Final feature setDifferentiationDesigner toolsNew tools to learn
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Expression Studio
Expression Design
Vector design program
Good starting point for designs
“Flat/static” design comps
Export to XAML
Expression Blend
Animations
Transitions
XAML clean up / prep
Expression Encoder/Media Encoder
Media vs. Media Encoder
Light video editing
Video export
Video overlays
Includes Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition
Designer and Developer workflow
Typical interactive workflowSilverlight interactive workflow
StreamlinedTighter des/dev integration with XAML
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How to ramp up an agency to be ready for Silverlight
GeneralUnderstand the workflowUnderstand where platform differsUnderstand the business reason
Internal concernsDesigner/developer integrationLearning new skills/apps
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Staffing Considerations
Flash Dev/Des:Interactive styleAS3 is very similar to C#AS3 - basics of C# in hours. AS2 transition a bit lengthierFlex/MXML & SL/XAML - parallel
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Staffing Considerations
Flash Dev/Des (cont.):Can do Flash workOften less experienced engineersUsed to working with designersStoryboard analogous to TimelineCan use some of their current tools
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Staffing Considerations
C# / .NETOften longer dev cycle Know the languageNew to “flair” of interactiveOften understand backendStrong Control developersOften more architecting experienceAble to do other C#/.NET work
Ajax DevelopersSilverlight 1.0
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What should C# / .NET application developers know about moving to Silverlight?
More interface capabilitiesLighter feature set (WPF)C# in a browser, worth itLearning what is not thereLearn animation/timelineLearn mouse event driven interactivityBeta, layout/controls relatively new
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What Flash developers/designers should know about Silverlight?
Design workflow same in 1.0 and 2Visual Studio matureStricter than AS2Multiple timelinesDifferent MovieClip paradigm
Des/dev workflowNew platform, new workarounds Code reuse often easierCompetition beneficial
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Pitching Silverlight: Things you need to know
Timeline vs. release cycleExisting video networkEarly adopters?Audience ok with player download?Familiarity with .NET/C#Enterprise class stability, scalability
1.0 vs. 2Maintainability of codeControl development needed
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MICROSOFT: HALO 3 VIDEO PLAYER (HD)
MICROSOFT: HALO 3 VIDEO PLAYER (SD)
HALO: HD Player
MICROSOFT: WEB GALLERIES EXPRESSION
MICROSOFT: Expression Media Web Galleries
MICROSOFT: DAC SILVERLIGHT
MICROSOFT/MRM: Defy All Challenges
MICROSOFT: TOP BANANA
MICROSOFT: Top Banana
MICROSOFT: RETAIL SITE
SILVERLIGHT STREAMING: RETAIL SITE
MICROSOFT: SILVERLIGHT CONTROL SKINS
MICROSOFT: Silverlight Control Skins
MICROSOFT: ZUNE CARD (FL)MICROSOFT: ZUNE CARD (SL)
ZUNE: Social Card
MICROSOFT: WPF SNOWBOARD APPLICATION
MICROSOFT/BURTON: Snowboard App
RECAP/CLOSING
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