For the past years, we are using ASP.NET AJAX for our web applications. With built-in security features, easy implementation of navigations, data validations and intuitive presentation, among others, there is no doubt it’s been our choice.
However, with the release of Silverlight 3 and the latest version Silverlight 4 combined with RIA Services, I am enticed to explore the possibility of migrating to this platform.
Why? Well, when I tried to create my first Silverlight Business Application template in Silverlight 4, I was surprised that the basic features of web application such as navigation and authentication are built in!
And because Silverlight runs on the client side with no post-back of pages (in the case of traditional web apps), the GUI is more responsive – it is just like a windows application. It also runs in a sandbox so its security is comparable to a web application. Above all, there is no web browser rendering issue because it is run by Silverlight runtime. It is compatible with most web browsers on Windows and MAC OS X operating systems plus support to mobile devices such as Windows Mobile and Symbian 60. Linux platform is also supported via Moonlight.
Hmm… should I migrate now to Silverlight?
Not right now.. not until I can climb the 10-degree-slope learning curve of Silverlight.
