To successfully utilize Silverlight via a corporate network, there are four basic steps that will need to be followed.

First, you will need to plan the deployment, and after the planning phase, you will next need to test it. Once you have tested your deployment strategy, you will next need to deploy Silverlight on the network. The last and final step is to maintain Silverlight inside your environment.

This article will go over part one, which involves preparing for the actual deployment of Silverlight. To successfully install Silverlight, it is necessary for you to pay close attention to the processes and strategies you use for deployment.

You will first need to evaluate your computers in order to determine their compatibility with Silverlight. Because this media tool makes use of high fidelity, you will at least need to be using newer computers in order to make use of its features.

Once you are certain that your computers meet the compatibility requirements for Silverlight, you will next want to decide which method you want to use for deployment.

While Microsoft has not officially released their system requirements for Silverlight 2 on their site, many of those who have tested Silverlight have said that you will need to have the following minimum requirements in order to run it smoothly:

- Processor: Pentium III 450 Mhz
- Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, or 2003 Server
- RAM: 128 MB

While most newer computers today meet these system requirements, those who are using older models may run into problems when attempting to use Silverlight, so it is suggested upgrade your system if you do not meet these minimum requirements.

For MAC users, the system requirements are virtually similar to those that are listed above.

Now that we have gone through the system requirements necessary for effectively using Silverlight, let us next explore the deployment method that you will want to use.

There are a number of methods which can be used to deploy Silverlight over a corporate network, and the option that you choose should be dependent on the infrastructure which already exists, along with the location of the user.

You have the option of automating the installations of Silverlight via the settings which have been preselected, as doing so does not require any action on the part of the user.

It may also be a good idea to make use of multiple tools when it comes to deployment. One important application which can help you successfully deploy Silverlight over a network is Microsoft Systems Management Server.

Systems Management Server can assist you in automating the deployment of Silverlight through the distribution and installation of Silverlight on the users' computers.

The good thing about using MSMS is that it does not require intervention from either you or the users. You can simply construct a .sms file that is responsible for defining how Silverlight will be placed on the users' computers.

Next Page: Silverlight Deployment Testing