Microsoft release Silverlight source code

Microsoft is expected to release the source code to part of its Silverlight technology at the MIX 07 convention which is being held in Las Vegas this week.

Microsoft is also expected to release a beta of Silverlight, its new technology for online media applications. Silverlight is a browser plug-in which allows web content providers to offer rich video and interactive media experience direct from their sites.

The technology, which is a competitor to Adobe’s Flash, uses Vista’s new graphics framework, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).

Details on which aspect of Silverlight will be open-sourced have not yet been released.

Microsoft may also demonstrate the final version of its Expression toolset for building rich internet applications (RIAs) at MIX 07, although it is not scheduled for completion for another two months.

Microsoft is promoting Expression as an alternative to Adobe’s Creative Suite 3. Designers can use Expression to create applications to be delivered through Silverlight.