Normally I would discuss personal matters first but I’m just too damn excited. As a part of the Vista Campaign, Microsoft Expression Studio code named “Sparkle” was released. With four unique products (Web, Blend, Design, and Media), it’s really giving Abode a run for their money. I have done a lot of research on this topic and I have one thing to say:
“Dear Microsoft,
Please Make a Mac version.
Thank you.”
With that out of the way, It’s nice to see Microsoft getting more involved with the design scene. It’s even better to see the price. With a retail value of $599 USD, it blows Adobe CS3’s thousand dollar price tags out of the water.
A little about Vista and it’s Expression
Microsoft Vista’s graphics sub system (Avalon) has replaced Window XP’s API system. Developers can now use Microsoft’s Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) to communicate with Avalon. Expression is a tool used to create XAML and .Net applications. In other words, with Vista and Expression Studio you can add cool features and functions to existing applications.
Product Talk
Expression Design is a lot like Adobe Flash. The object is to create vector based content for the web, applications, or media. Microsoft’s new jewel features flexible vector drawing, dynamic live effects, and expanded workflows.
Expression Blend is a tool to create next generation programs. The idea is to import images created with Expression Design and seamlessly create amazing applications. Blend features efficient collaboration, tools for creativity and codeless interactivity.
Expression Web is a refined version of Adobe Dreamweaver. It creates “Standards-based” web sites using a sophisticated CSS-based layout and formatting Technique. It also has a rich data presentation and powerful server technology.
Finally, Expression Media = Adobe Bridge, enough said.
Is this the end for Adobe?
The term “Flash Killer” has been tossed around and at this point I’m not really sure what to expect. While Flash has been the foundation of the web community these past few years, it might be time for a revamp. Flash is a great cross platform tool that allows simple and easy workflow on the web, but Microsoft new Silverlight looks exceptionally capable.
I’m interested to see what happens next. I feel truly blessed to be involved in what could be the next Internet Revolution. I predict that 10 years down the road, Microsoft will consume the web. What about other big business like Google you say? You obviously haven’t tried “Live Search” my friend
May 12, 2007 at 8:46 am |
I wonder if MS will ever make Expression Studio for Mac. I don’t recall MS release a Mac version of Visual Studio ever, specially now that Mac users can run Windows on their machines.
Just to add more to your plate, Sun has its eyes in the market as well, they are investing on JavaFX to compete with Silverlight and Apollo.
It is a great time to be a designer/front-end developer indeed!
Cheers,
Marcelo Paiva
May 19, 2007 at 11:54 pm |
Very interesting, indeed. However, as a freelance web developer, I feel this also brings up some drawbacks:
1. Am I facing the need to command two applications for each purpose? Will it now be necessary to work with both, CS3 and MSExpression, depending on the type project I conduct in each moment?
2. We now have two sets of new applications coming out: CS3 and MSExpression. Which should I buy? Certainly MSExpression is much cheaper, but will it be sufficient to cover all my project requirements or will I have to purchase CS3 later anyway?
In my opinion, there’s a true fact, anyway: Adobe have gone nuts with their prices, which are prohibitive, or almost prohibitive, for many freelancers, especially taking into account that most probably there will be new versions coming out every year.
Adobe with their prices may contribute much more in freelancers shifting to Expression Studio than any technical comparative advantages may this last have with respect to CS3.