Microsoft has released a second test version of its .net Compact
Framework, a runtime engine that allows .net applications to run on
handheld computers.
The company has also begun work on a limited beta program for the
next version of its Visual Studio .net development software,
codenamed Everett. The software includes the .net Compact Framework
and a series of "smart-device extensions" that help developers
write applications for mobile devices.
The announcements came at the VSLive developer conference in
Orlando.
The software maker will also release the final version of SQL
Server CE 2.0, a small version of its database product that can be
used on Windows CE devices. It can also be used for applications
that use database functions and can be synchronised with a
company's enterprise servers, according to David Rasmussen, product
manager of Microsoft's .net mobile developer platform group.
With the three releases, Microsoft is "enabling developers to start
targeting mobile devices", Rasmussen said.
The .net framework is one of the linchpins in Microsoft's effort to
make its technology the
de facto standard for designing and
delivering Web-based applications and services. Developers using
the software to build basic Web-based applications said it shows
promise.
The .net Compact Framework, which is a subset of the developer
software for PCs and servers, is expected to extend that
consistency to mobile application development, according to
Rasmussen.
SQL Server CE 2.0, which now has built-in support for the .net
Compact Framework, will be available for free. Microsoft hopes that
giving the software away will help spur sales of the enterprise
version of SQL Server, which can be used in conjunction with the CE
version.
SQL Server CE 2.0 can store data in relational format, then extract
that data and deliver it as an XML document for use with Web-based
applications. Corporations might use the database to create mobile
applications that allow field workers to place orders or track
inventory from wireless devices, for example.
While the software adds to the tools available for developers
building mobile .net applications, the company faces stiff
competition from Sun Microsystems' rival Java development
environment.