Microsoft has been dabbling in this area for some with some of it’s expression betas but their goals have never really been layed on the table regarding the future of this product line. Until now.
On Monday Microsoft announced they are shipping Expression Web, a new product called Expressoin Blend, and a suite called Expression Studio.
I for one welcome the competition to this space where Adobe / Macromedia have dominated since, well, I became a web developer. I’m not saying Adobe lacks innovation or Microsoft has it all right – but Microsoft’s entrance as competition will help drive the market in new directions.
From the press release:
Expression Studio comprises Expression Web for creating standards-based Web sites; Expression Blend (formally Interactive Designer) for designing rich interactive experiences for Windows®; Expression Design (formally Graphic Designer) for the design of visual elements for Web and Windows experiences; and a new tool, Expression Media, which provides digital asset management and unifies team workflow across the suite. Expression Web is shipping today, and the full Expression Studio is planned for delivery in the second quarter of 2007.
So designers, will you give Microsoft a shot? I know I will because I’ve never really like using Photoshop or Flash. Plus I’m a Microsoft junkie.
Tags: Microsoft, “Expression Studio”, Design
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Negative! Meaning, I probably won’t give them a shot. I do think that they have a chance at competing with Dreamweaver though. With all of these things that Microsoft is trying to do online, integrating the tools is a good move.
I don’t think they can compete with Photoshop though. I think it’s just too widely used, and an industry standard, so I fail to believe that they have a chance in that department.
I’m far from a Microsoft junkie (Apple guy here!) but I think it’s a good move for them making web tools…..aside from Photoshop.
I think the combination of Visual Studio, Express, and Expression from Microsoft along with Eclipse Dreamweaver will have a tough time competing.
I for one use Fireworks from Macromedia but I imagine it will be phased out. So, I’m in a position to switch and I plan on giving Microsoft a shot.