I use Microsoft Expression (xWeb) as my primary Web development tool, having graduated from the much maligned but poorly understood FrontPage. xWeb is better than many realize. Here are my notes.
I also write about Expression and Web development at my business site.
I have to say that I am very excited by the arrival of Microsoft's Expression Studio and its component products Web, Design, Blend, and Media. I am glad that there is an aggressive competitor for Adobe on the graphics side, which can only lead to making both suites better.
May 24 June 11 is the official date of availability. Microsoft has a purchase information page online. The retail price is $600, as expected.
If you already own Expression Web, you qualify for an upgrade price of $350. If you own FrontPage, you qualify for an upgrade to Expression Web for $100, an offer still in force. That makes the upgrade price from FrontPage to Expression Studio $450. It's a lot of bang for the buck.
Expression Studio also includes a full copy of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition, list price $300. This makes perfect sense, as it provides the means to develop server-side programs based on Microsoft's technologies and, perhaps more important, a built-in Web server for testing applications.
Ever since Visual Studio 6.0 was released in the late '90s, Microsoft has touted the ability of its tools to easily build Web-based applications. It has not been easy. Now I think the tools are on the cusp of making Web application development as easy as Microsoft has always claimed. Expression Studio is the first interesting, feature-packed, bargain-priced example of such a tool.
May 17, 2007; updated May 27, 2007
I've updated my "favorites" article about graphics programs to reflect newer editions of paint.net and Microsoft Expression Design.
I love paint.net. It's a great program with a few minor flaws. If you still use Microsoft Paint for anything, go get this free program right now! You won't regret it, I promise. And if you use Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, you'll find paint.net faster and just as good for a lot of things.
A lot has happened in the year since Microsoft originally announced the Expression line of products. Expression Graphics Designer is now simply Design and there is a new "Studio" bundle. I'm not sure all the news is good, but Expression is definitely a family to watch. Microsoft did a good job with Expression Web, which I now use for all my Web site work, so I have high hopes.
April 20, 2007