Obama's inauguration: Silverlight coup for Microsoft

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Microsoft pulled off a coup for Silverlight when it arranged for the American Presidential Inaugural Committee to use the technology for live streaming and on-demand video of Barack Obama's oath-taking ceremony this coming Tuesday. Prior to the actual swearing-in event, Obama and vice-president-elect Joe Biden will be making a Whistle Stop Tour from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. Video of their stop in Baltimore will also be available via the special website.

This site to visit for the day's happenings? http://www.pic2009.org.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said, "Microsoft is proud to be a part of this event by helping to bring the inauguration activities online." For those who cannot use Silverlight, the inauguration will be streamed by many other news sources in Flash, including the BBC.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention was also broadcast using Silverlight, although it too was available from other sources in Flash.

The Obama interest in transparency in goverment is behind such deals, and the US Congress has likewise moved to form ties with Google-owned YouTube, as reported here earlier. Critics, however, have been quick to ask whether such government ties to companies--and their proprietary technologies--are in the best interests of citizens. Privacy issues have also been raised, given that visitors to such sites have been and will be leaving behind digital footprints and it is unclear what will become of the data gathered.

#1 Doli on 19 Jan 2009 - 07:37

I dont have the fastest connection (DSL) but during the Olympics Silverlight's video quality was really good.

(9 replies) #2 thealexweb on 19 Jan 2009 - 08:10

Already 20% of computers in the world have Silverlight installed.

#2.1 creamhackered on 19 Jan 2009 - 08:20

That's pretty damn impressive. They are pushing it hard as an optional update on Windows Update too.

#2.2 markjensen on 19 Jan 2009 - 12:18

thealexweb said,

So Microsoft was able to "convince" the American Presidential Inaugural Committee to commit to only support a format that 80% of the computers in the world don't have.

Good for Microsoft!

#2.3 MightyJordan on 19 Jan 2009 - 12:40

markjensen said,

That's because it's not a required download. People will only get around to downloading Silverlight when they come across a site that needs it, just like Flash, and just like Shockwave, and just like Java, which is the only reason I actually have Shockwave and Java installed, because they're slow and cumbersome, but some of my favourite sites use them, so I have to keep them installed if I want to keep using the sites.

#2.4 +Kirkburn on 19 Jan 2009 - 16:38

So you'd prefer Flash to have a monopoly on such content?

(Does anyone have stats on the install base of Flash?)

#2.5 C_Guy on 19 Jan 2009 - 18:59

I dunno, I mean who has the 60 seconds for the free Silverlight install?

#2.6 toadeater on 19 Jan 2009 - 19:51

This kind of stuff puts the $ in M$. How much did it cost to bribe the committee I wonder?

#2.7 +Kirkburn on 19 Jan 2009 - 22:10

toadeater said,

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.

#2.8 Jebadiah on 20 Jan 2009 - 08:25

Kirkburn said,

Excellent reply!

#2.9 tiagosilva29 on 20 Jan 2009 - 10:13

I would prefer svg+smil, but it's support is limited.

Unlike Silverlight, Flash and Gnash (its free implementation) is available for multiple architectures and multiple operative systems.

#3 +stifler6478 on 19 Jan 2009 - 08:37

Microsoft Photosynth is also getting publicity through the inauguration from cnn.com/themoment
Should be cool stuff.

-Spenser

(2 replies) #4 +TCLN Ryster on 19 Jan 2009 - 11:28

For anyone that's interested, the UK's ITV.com uses Silverlight for their ITV Player catch-up TV service too. Quality is quite good, although they force you into watching ad breaks at the same time as they are shown on the live broadcast, which is annoying.

#4.1 +Chipshop on 19 Jan 2009 - 16:25

Just checked it out, uses flash and Silverlight on the same page.

Hopefully Silverlight will catch on, i love it's implementation on most sites and video is so good.

#4.2 TRC on 19 Jan 2009 - 21:06

Netflix uses Silverlight too.

#5 Quikboy on 19 Jan 2009 - 16:30

I hope it's available later. I have school on Tuesday, and I can't watch it during class.

(2 replies) #6 Kushan on 19 Jan 2009 - 16:34

There's a huge uproar in particular in the Linux community because of this. Apparently a lot of people see it as anti-competitive and unfair of the Government to favour since Silverlight doesn't work on ALL machines in the world.

I have to disagree, there is currently NO real competitor to flash and I think allowing Silverlight to get a stronger foothold can only be good for everyone. Eventually both Adobe and Microsoft will have to increase platform support just to take more of the marketshare. I mean, hasn't adobe been dragging it's feet with 64bit linux support? Maybe this is the kind of thing that will kick them in the right direction.

#6.1 C_Guy on 19 Jan 2009 - 19:00

Well there's a surprise. Linux community angry at Microsoft? Again? Nothing seems to make them happy.

#6.2 rm20010 on 20 Jan 2009 - 00:02

On the upside, Silverlight works on most machines - Windows-based PCs and Macs. Having support for Linux is the only plus for Flash.

(1 reply) #7 thealexweb on 19 Jan 2009 - 16:41

I always install Silverlight on my computers now. It's slowly getting more popular we've had the Olympics 2008, Obama Day, ITV, tons of local radio stations, Windows Live / MSN services. Good to see it's been sent down Microsoft Update, Windows Live Essentials, etc.

#7.1 theyarecomingforyou on 19 Jan 2009 - 23:34

I actively avoid it myself. I don't want Microsoft cornering yet another market. They're already pushing their XPS format to replace PDF and Games For Windows Live is creeping into games (requiring profiles to be created just to save games). Why do we need more formats to replace those that already work well? Perhaps if it offered a radically improved feature set it would be worth considering.

I just don't trust Microsoft enough. It's not as if Flash has been left to stagnate - it is regularly updated.

(2 replies) #8 +majortom1981 on 19 Jan 2009 - 17:16

I really wish silverlight would overtake flash. Silverlight can be upgraded via wsus and windows update. Flash has to be installed on every computer all the time.

#8.1 thealexweb on 19 Jan 2009 - 19:14

majortom1981 said,

It will because Microsoft plans to bundle it with in the OS' in future some version of Windows Embedded already come with it list as a built in component.

#8.2 +Kirkburn on 19 Jan 2009 - 22:11

Not sure if it's bundled in Win7 - it's part of the Live Essentials pack I think?

#9 Dashel on 20 Jan 2009 - 01:23

I believe it is an option for Live Essentials.

I honestly don't see the problem. Flash has been going downhill since aquired by Adobe and I'm glad to see another strong competitor appear. Its not like flash runs well under *nix anyway or is an open format.

80% Markjensen, really? That seems stupidly high to me. Oh yea, all those nix servers grinding away that the masses wanted to view it on with lynx. Uh huh.

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