New Microsoft Web Design Tool in Beta
Microsoft late Tuesday released the first beta of its new Web design tool that will compete with the likes of Adobe Dreamweaver. The program is part of Microsoft's forthcoming Expression lineup, which also includes a graphical design tool and an interface designer.
Expression Web Beta 1 is the second public preview of the tool following a Community Technology Preview issued in May. Features of the application include the ability to build sophisticated CSS-based layouts, standards compliance and built-in support for ASP.NET 2.0 server technology.
The tool -- formerly known by the code-name "Quartz" -- replaces Microsoft FrontPage, which has largely been reincarnated as SharePoint Designer and is included in Office System 2007. Microsoft is endeavoring to target professional Web designers with Expression Web, and has removed features that relied on FrontPage Server Extensions in Beta 1.
"This beta preview is part of Microsoft’s commitment to customers to provide an opportunity for feedback on the product while engaging with the community around the wants and needs of web designers and developers," a company spokesperson told BetaNews.
Expression Web Beta 1 works with Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista, and requires .NET Framework 2.0. It is available free of charge, although Microsoft will be charging for the final set of Expression products.
CTPs of Expression Graphic Designer and Expression Interactive Designer are also available for download.