Introduction

Silverlight is a web-based platform from Microsoft that can be used to build Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). Of the many new possibilities it enables, one of its key focuses is as a platform for building business applications. Community support for the technology has been overwhelmingly positive, and Microsoft has gone on to use it within a number of other products such as LightSwitch, Windows Azure (in its portal), and Microsoft Lync, as well as offering it as means of developing Windows Phone 7 applications.

If you've previously developed Windows Presentation Framework (WPF) applications, you'll already have a good foundation for developing Silverlight applications. If you have only been exposed to Windows Forms and ASP.NET development, Silverlight development will no doubt be a brave new world—one with a steep learning curve, but ultimately, the benefits make the initial effort worthwhile. However, with this book to help you through your journey, you should find a lot of pain taken out of the learning curve; this book will guide you in the right direction while you build your first business application in Silverlight.