Microsoft Targets Amateur Programmers
Microsoft is reaching out to nonprofessional programmers with a revamped line of developer tools, including a free version of its forthcoming SQL Server database.
Source: ZDNetAs expected, the company launched the new Express line of developer tools at its TechEd Europe conference in Amsterdam on Tuesday. The lightweight editions of the tools and database are meant to expand Microsoft's presence among students and hobbyists. Microsoft said it will release the Express line, which will include stripped-down versions of its Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++ and Visual J++ products, in the first half of next year. At the same time, the company plans to launch a free version of its database software, called SQL Server Express Edition, along with a new product, Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition, for building Web sites and Web services.
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