MICROSOFT ENTERS DESIGN ARENA 19/09/2005

While the arena of professional design software has previously been dominated by a small group of developers, Microsoft aims to change the game with the recent announcement of a range of applications under the title of Microsoft Expression.

Consisting of three programs, final naming for each program is yet to be confirmed. Provisionally codenamed Acrylic Graphic Designer, Sparkle Interactive Designer and Quartz Web Designer, the software will provide graphic design, GUI (Graphical User Interface) design and web design functionality respectively.

Intended for use with Microsoft’s forthcoming Windows Vista operating system (due in 2006) the entire range is designed to take full advantage of modern graphics technology while providing greater freedom for developers to create visually striking software, web sites and software interfaces.

With a final release date for Microsoft Expression set for 2006, Acrylic Graphic Designer can already be tested as a Community Technology Preview by registering at the Microsoft website and downloading a test version of the software.

Contact:
www.microsoft.com/expression