Microsoft makes Web development tools available for free
Microsoft has been on a "Spark" roll lately, rolling out discount programs for students (DreamSpark) and startups (BizSpark).
On September 24, Microsoft added another Spark program to its list: WebSite Spark. The newest Spark program is aimed at getting more Web developers to use Microsoft's Expression and other development tools. (As Seattle Times blogger Brier Dudley noted, Microsoft hasn't been bowled over by Expression sales/usage. So trying to seed these tools among developers makes sense for the Redmondians.)
On the same day, To emphasize the company's not only intent on getting Web devs to use Microsoft-branded tools, the company also rolled out today Version 2.0 of its Web Platform Installer and Windows Web Application Gallery, which provide developers with a one-stop shop for third-party dev tools, including a number of free, open-source dev tools that work on/with Windows. (Microsoft announced the beta of the installer and gallery at its Mix conference this year.)
If you're wondering how the new Spark program stacks up against the already announced ones, here's a comparison. (Click on the image to enlarge.)
