The Promise and Foundation of .NET

.NET provides a framework for web services used by Microsoft’s Windows, which is the standard operating system on the majority of personal and business computers. These web services include pre-existing IT (and specifically web services) protocols and technologies like XML (Extensible Markup Language), SOAP (Simple Object-Access Protocol), WSDL (Web Services Description Language) and the universal business directory UDDI (Universal Description, Discover and Integration).

Introduction

While .NET allows Microsoft to centralize the programming support for its web services, it is also a Microsoft business strategy providing users, both business and personal, with Web-based interfaces for application access. This will make most computing browser-oriented. Currently, Microsoft invented and owns the most widely-used web browser for the World Wide Web Internet Explorer.

.NET frameworks must include several requirements. All computing devices must work together and automatically update and synchronize all user information. All programming must be written in XML, rather than HTML. .NET is a subscription service that delivers customized applications and services from a centralized location, which allows for increased manageability. Centralized data storage synchronizes information between users allowing for easy and efficient access to information. It must be able to integrate diverse communications media.

Developers must focus on creating reusable modules, thereby increasing productivity and reducing errors. Ultimately, however, .NET is a Microsoft brand name that can be attached to many products, services, and computer devices.This article will explore the development and benefits of .NET framework as a platform. Finally, we will suggest some trends in. NET services for 2007.

Background

Microsoft emerged in 1975 giving birth to the age of the personal computer, focusing on user-agency (of course, through the use their products). During the period between 1985-1990 and the integration of personal computers into business and consumer cultures, Microsoft cemented it dominance by making Windows the default operating system on most personal computers. The first incarnation of the .NET framework was released in 2003, included in Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. Its goals were increased interoperability and platform independence.

This means that any program written within the framework should run on any framework compatible computer. The.NET framework replaces Windows API (Application Programming Interface). However, the developing and implementing of .NET is a contemporary process. There are still many years until its complete integration. Microsoft has incorporated it the framework in Windows. But in non-Windows systems it has only been partially installed and in very limited use.

Uses

.NET promises are many. For example, rather than just allowing for user interaction with just one application or one web site, it promises to connect the user to a wide spectrum of computers and services that will then combine different programming components according to user needs. Through its subscription-based model, software can be rented as needed and all software programs and corresponding data will be accessible through a main database. The loftiest of these promises is user access to their complete information from anywhere, through any device, through the Internet.

Hype aside, however, .NET will be able to integrate communications media, like phones, faxes and e-mail. It also promises the cost and labor efficiency of centralized data storage, and the automatic upgrade and synchronization of user devices. Some of the more technological innovations include features like increased interoperability for easy interaction between old and new applications. The development of CIL (Common Intermediate Language) allows for the “just-in-time” (JIT) compilation of programming languages into the platform-dependent native code.

The mechanisms that allow for the translation of programming languages in .NET are called collectively the Common Language Runtime (CLR). The Common Type System (CTS) specifies all data and programming modules supported by the CLR and how they might interact with each other. This language independence allows .NET frameworks to help develop and support many programming languages. For example, the current version contains the five official Microsoft languages. However, .Net’s native language is C#. It is Microsoft’s newest object-oriented language and resembles Java.

Points of Interest

.NET will try to expand its influence in 2007. For example, Microsoft’s Office 2007 will continue to offer Windows clients application customization and collaboration. However, it will evolve to incorporate an even broader application platform that includes Windows servers and the .NET framework. The latest version of .NET 3.0 was introduced in late 2006. Its effect will be felt in program development well into 2007 since it is still in the manufacturing stage.

The major components include Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), formerly known as Avalon. WPF will provide new user interface systems and be able to create 3-D graphics. More importantly, it will facilitate data visualization. The Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), formerly known as Indigo, will allow programs to interoperate like web services through a service-oriented messaging system. Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) increases task automation and integrates transactions. Windows CardSpace (WCS), formerly known as InfoCard, is a software element that increases security, storing identities and providing an interface where the identity of the transaction is chosen, like logging into a website.