Start building for Windows Vista Now!

Microsoft announced the availability of Acropolis, a release addressed at developers for the Windows platform. Currently the Redmond Company is only offering the first Community Technology Preview of Microsoft Code Name "Acropolis," as a free download weighing in from 3.9 MB to 10.3 MB. Acropolis is yet another sign from Microsoft that the company is willing to provide developers with the necessary resources for building programs on top of the Windows operating system. Even more, with the availability of Windows Vista, Microsoft seems to go head over heels in order to ensure that developers will begin creating for the new platform.

Microsoft Code Name "Acropolis" is a set of components and tools intended to make it easier for developers to build and manage modular, business focused, client applications for Microsoft Windows on the .NET Framework. "Acropolis" builds on the rich capabilities of Microsoft Windows and the .NET Framework, including Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), by providing tools and pre-built components that help developers quickly assemble applications from loosely-coupled parts and services. There are two downloads. One is an .MSI file that includes the Community Technology Preview 1 product and samples. You can also download a .CHM file with the Help documentation," Microsoft informed.

With Acropolis Microsoft will only support Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2. Additionally, users will also need Microsoft Visual Studio Code Name "Orcas" Beta 1 in order to be able to use Acropolis. In mid April 2007, Microsoft began offering Visual Studio Code Name "Orcas" Beta 1, the company's "next generation development tool for Windows Vista, the 2007 Office system, and the Web". Essentially, Microsoft describes Acropolis as a collection of tools that will enable developers to create "reusable, connectable components and assemble them into working applications that are easy to change."