Introduction

The Directions on Microsoft Developer Platform Roadmap summarizes current and planned versions of Microsoft’s most important developer technologies and products. The Roadmap provides a single reference for Microsoft customers and partners who need to answer basic planning questions, such as the following:

• What technologies does Microsoft provide for building the user interface of an application?
• When does support for Visual Studio (VS) 2003 end?
• What are my options for building an Office-based client application?

The information in this report is based on our interpretation of the most credible public sources. Microsoft does not endorse this report, and its product plans are subject to change at any time.

Planning for Product Retirements

The life-cycle information provided for past product versions can help organizations prepare for product retirements. Microsoft divides a product’s life cycle into phases, the most important of which are Mainstream, Extended, and Online Self-Help. (For more details on the life cycle, see the chart “Product Life-Cycle Phases and Options“.)