Steve Ballmer showcases user experiences; ICL, HDFC Bank unveil websites with Microsoft Tools

Mumbai: Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft today showcased Microsoft''s strategy to deliver great user experiences across the web, PC and mobile devices in Mumbai as part of Techmela Experience.

Last week, Microsoft had announcement the availability of Silverlight 1.0 in India, which is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in that delivers powerful media experiences through the web.

According to a media communiqué from the company, with Silverlight, businesses in India can offer web applications that are far richer and more interactive than ever before, and provide a seamless and high quality end-user experience at a significantly lower cost of delivery.

Indian banking major HDFC Bank, and the newly formed Indian Cricket League (ICL) unveiled new user-friendly websites designed for Silverlight, as part of their plans to deliver compelling user experiences for their customers.

"We plan to use the internet as a huge medium to reach out to enthusiasts and fans, with live broadcasts, recorded highlights, scoreboards, statistics, charts - all providing Internet viewers with a great alternate channel to enjoy matches as they happen," said Kapil Dev, president, ICL. "In addition to this, ICL will build online fan communities, integrating it into the cricket experience, through fantasy leagues, player comparison, rating, voting, discussions, etc.

"Microsoft is working closely with ICL to enable a rich and never-before-seen experience online, with innovative features allowing Internet users to switch between multiple camera angles, broadcast feeds, overlay with statistical elements and even interact with tools that will, for example, allow users to judge and opine the fate of a player when a third umpire decision is called for."