MIX08 Key Messages, Announcements, Software, and Keynote

So, I was in Las Vegas....for 2 hours last night when I went "backwards" from Denver to Los Vegas to Philly on the redeye. Meanwhile, the major announcements happened today at MIX and now I can release some information that I had been told to hold off on as well as able to talk on some of the software we have been using. Following that, I will link to posts that contain links to the software (which rocks!) and then impressions of the keynote given by former boss, Mr. Ozzie.

MIX08 Key Messages:

* The Web is at the center of everything Microsoft is doing.

o Our platform breadth covers clients, servers, mobile and devices both on and off the Web, all aimed at delivering a seamless connected experience for users.

o We believe the best experiences combine software on the edge with services in the cloud.

* Microsoft is bridging the workflow between Web designers and developers.

o The Microsoft platform includes a world class set of tools aimed at reducing the developer/designer friction traditionally associated with the creation of connected experiences on the Web.

o .NET makes it easier for Web developers and designers to deliver seamless, connected experiences across the continuum of Web apps, RIAs, rich clients, and mobile apps, all with a common dev model and integrated set of tools.

* Businesses are building digital customer connections on the Microsoft platform.

o  Customers and partners have new opportunities to create new revenue streams through Microsoft's platform investments in infrastructure, services and advertising.

o   At MIX08 you will see exciting, cutting-edge examples of how AOL, Aston Martin, Cirque du Soleil, and NBCOlympics.com on MSN are delivering new and exciting customer experiences using Microsoft technologies.

Product Specific Key Messages:

*       Continued Progress with IE:  IE8 Beta 1 delivers significantly improved standards-support and developer platform investments with enhanced user experiences.

*       Advancements to Silverlight:  Silverlight 2 improves the quality of video and interactive experiences on the Web while enabling .NET developers to extend their existing skills and investments to build cross-platform Rich Internet Applications.

*       Expression Studio enables developers and designers to work together:  Expression Studio and Visual Studio tools help designers and developers work seamlessly to create compelling experiences.

For a consolidated list of all the software downloads, please see Tim Sneath's post: and for the keynote, see Tim's live blog and Josh Holmes.

Definitely, a GREAT time to be a Web Developer!!