From Microsoft

Jul 7, 2010 10:27 GMT  ·  By

Having taken its alternative to Adobe Flash beyond Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, to Symbian, Microsoft is also providing the necessary resources for developers to start building on top of Nokia’s devices. On the heels of Silverlight for Symbian’s launch, the Redmond company has released the Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools, offered free of charge via the Microsoft Download Center. The Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools bring to the table a comprehensive collection of tools, samples and guidance to streamline development targeting Silverlight for Symbian.

“The installable executable file enables users to run Silverlight applications on the Nokia S60 5th Edition platform. The executable file includes the Silverlight runtime for Nokia S60 5th Edition emulator, sample applications, and developer documentation,” Microsoft stated.

Of course, developers will need additional tools on top of the Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools in order start building Silverlight-based applications for Nokia devices. In this regard, Microsoft recommends that they use Expression Blend 2, Visual Web Developer 2008 Express with SP1, or Visual Studio 2008 SP1 with Silverlight Tools for Visual Studio 2008 SP1.

“Microsoft Silverlight for Symbian includes a runtime that is optimized to display content on memory constrained devices. Silverlight support for Nokia S60 5th Edition devices includes the ability to view Silverlight applications in the mobile browser and the tools to build Silverlight applications that target devices,” the Redmond company added.

Silverlight for Symbian is available via the OVI store for a variety of Nokia S60 5th Edition devices, including Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia N97 and Nokia N97 Mini. By leveraging the Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools, devs will be able to put together Silverlight applications for the mobile phones enumerated above. By installing Silverlight for Symbian, users can enjoy Silverlight applications right in their mobile browser.

Silverlight for Symbian Developer Tools is available for download here.