Microsoft launches alpha release of Popfly

Microsoft launches alpha release of Popfly

Software giant Microsoft has announced the launch of the alpha release of their Popfly service hosted at popfly.ms.

Microsoft states that this service is a combination tool set and social network that can help nontechnical users build and share mashups, gadgets, Web pages and applications.

This service has been built on their recently launched Microsoft Silverlight technology which has been designed to challenge the domination of Adobe Flash on the web.

Soma Somasegar, vice president of Microsoft’s developer division wrote in a blog post on this new service launch: “Today’s generation is seeking an easier way to build, customize and share experiences with their family and friends — to express themselves in creative ways through software. Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions was the first step in this direction.”

Microsoft added that users would be able to drag and drop blocks and connect them to build applications online without requiring any coding knowledge. The service also features an online community to allow hosting, sharing and showcasing of the products people develop.

Market experts believe that this is the service Microsoft developed to compete with the Yahoo Pipes service while showcasing the power of their Silverlight technology.