Microsoft Silverlight 2 has been officially released.

You can download the latest at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/.

This version includes (from the Microsoft Silverlight FAQ):

.NET Framework Support with a Rich Base Class Library - A compatible subset of the full .NET Framework gives developers the most comprehensive RIA runtime on the Web today, with unparalleled data access capabilities, local data caching and local data storage, superior input-output (IO) performance, and better threading. By leveraging the rich base class library of the .NET Framework, developers can minimize the amount of additional code they have to write for their projects.

Powerful Built-in Controls - Silverlight 2 includes a rich set of built-in controls that allow developers and designers to quickly build applications such as: DataGrid, ListBox, Slider, ScrollViewer and Calendar.

Advanced Skinning Support - Advanced styling and templating support gives designers and developers complete control over the look and feel of an application to ensure the custom brand experience for their rich Internet application meets their exacting requirements.

Comprehensive Networking Support - Silverlight 2 contains out-of-the-box support for calling REST, WS*/SOAP, POX, RSS and standard HTTP services enables users to create Web 2.0-style applications that easily integrate with existing heterogeneous back-end systems.

Expanded .NET Framework Language Support - Unlike other runtimes, Silverlight 2 supports a variety of programming languages, including Visual Basic, C#, Managed JavaScript, IronPython and IronRuby, making it easier for developers already familiar with one of these languages to repurpose their existing skills.

Advanced DRM Features, powered by PlayReady - Advanced content protection features now include Silverlight digital rights management (DRM), Powered by PlayReady. Silverlight DRM builds on Microsoft’s extensive expertise in developing DRM technologies, delivering robust protection for key Silverlight scenarios including: live streaming, on-demand streaming and progressive downloads for connected experiences.

Improved Server Scalability and Expanded Advertiser Support - The combination of Silverlight 2 and Windows Server 2008 offers streaming video professionals industry-leading scalability and cutting-edge progressive download features. In addition, Silverlight offers superior search engine optimization capabilities and advanced in-stream advertising support through companies such as DoubleClick Inc. and EyeWonder Inc.

Deep Zoom Technology - The new Deep Zoom technology in Silverlight allows users to see images on the Web as never before. The smooth, in-place zooming and panning that Deep Zoom allows is a true advancement and raises the bar on what image viewing should be. It is also now possible through this feature to make super-high-resolution images easily consumable on the Web. Even better, Deep Zoom is designed in a way that will reduce Web hosting and bandwidth costs by sending to the browser exactly the right size and resolution image for the current display area.

Additionally, plans are in the works for an Eclipse plugin for Silverlight development. Perhaps this means Silverlight development on non-windows systems?

From the eWeek article:

As part of its plans to support additional tools for developing Silverlight applications, Microsoft is providing funding to Soyatec, a France-based IT solutions provider and Eclipse Foundation member, to lead a project to integrate advanced Silverlight development capabilities into the Eclipse IDE (integrated development environment), said Vijay Rajagopalan, a principal architect in the Microsoft Developer Division.

Microsoft Press Release:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/oct08/10-13Silverlight2PR.mspx

Silverlight Home:
http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/default.aspx

Eclipse Tools For Silverlight:
http://www.eclipse4sl.org/

Silverlight FAQ:
http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/overview/faq.aspx

eWeek Coverage:
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Application-Development/Microsoft-Delivers-Silverlight-2/

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Andrew Trice
Principal Architect
Cynergy Systems
http://www.cynergysystems.com

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