Stop Feigning Silverlight Shock

It seems like last week's Microsoft Professional Developer's Conference left some people shocked -- shocked -- that the company's Silverlight strategy has changed. Yet nothing really has changed, at least recently.Back in June, I outlined the state of Silverlight at the time, based on Microsoft's public statements and projects. Internet Explorer 9 shows Microsoft's commitment to HTML5, and they want to be back in the game with standards that fit their strategy. Although Microsoft dabbled in Silverlight-enhanced web sites, including their Download Center, it has never been a required component for most Microsoft properties. The only exception to that has been where Microsoft uses Silverlight-based video players. And of course, Silverlight is the primary development environment for Windows Phone 7.

All the changes Microsoft has made since June are consistent with their previously stated directions. Internet Explorer 9 continues to firm up for a 2011 ship date, and it has strengthened its HTML5 support. Silverlight is still the go-to technology for Windows Phone 7. The Silverlight trimmings on Microsoft's own properties that aren't video players have continued to fade, including an announcement about Bing Maps this week.

Based on news reports that developers felt betrayed by this straight line now interpreted as a sharp turn, the head of Microsoft's Server and Tools division provided a clarification. Essentially it said nothing new: "Silverlight we still love you, you're a great video player, and you're our go-to technology for Windows Phone 7. We just think HTML5 is a better choice for things that you may be able to do as well."

Travel back to Silverlight's birth in 2007, and sure that Microsoft had higher hopes for their new "Flash killer." Those expectations were lowered early on -- the world doesn't need another Flash -- and the company has been preaching web standards including HTML5 for at least a year. It's crazy to bash Microsoft for taking stock of a situation and following a strategy that makes sense, especially when they've been communicating the strategy and following it consistently.