Windows Live ID Web Authentication SDK

Recently I have been researching Single Sign-On options to streamline the user's experience. One interesting provider I found is Windows Live ID Web Authentication, which allows visitors to logon to a website using their Hotmail or Windows Live account. Microsoft describes the Windows Live ID Web Authentication SDK as follows:

The Windows Live™ ID Web Authentication software development kit (SDK) gives you a platform-neutral way to bring the power of the Windows Live ID authentication service to your own Web site.

According to Microsoft the benefits include:

• Ability to use Windows Live gadgets and controls to incorporate authenticated Windows Live services into websites
• HTTP-based, platform-neutral interface for implementing Windows Live ID authentication in existing websites, even if they are hosted by third-parties
• Freedom from the technical details of authentication
• Huge user base: any of the millions of users who have a Windows Live ID can login to Windows Live ID Web Authentication websites

Download Windows Live Web Authentication SDK 1.1

Manage Windows Live Web Authentication Websites

Windows Live Alerts

Microsoft recently released a new version of Windows Live Alerts, which provides several exciting new features:

Windows Live Alerts enables customers to instantly connect to the information that they care most about via Windows Live Messenger, Mobile, and Hotmail.

When you update your blog or other RSS feed, Windows Live Alerts will automatically send a headline to all subscribed readers. The power of Windows Live Alerts is that users can choose where and when to receive alerts.

Learn about the new RSS feature of Windows Live Alerts.

Subscribe to Windows Live Alerts for this website by clicking on the following button (you can unsubscribe at any time by visiting alerts.live.com):

Windows Live Alerts SDK

Microsoft has announced a software development kit (SDK) for Windows Live Alerts:

There's no better way to communicate with customers than with real-time alerts sent directly to their desktop, mobile device, or email. Windows Live Alerts detects where customers are on the network and intelligently delivers an alert message.

According to Microsoft the software development kit provides:

1. RSS Feed Based Alerts - You can quickly and easily enable Windows Live Alerts from an RSS feed. This zero development solution for Windows Live Alerts is available now.
2. Programmatic Alerts - The SDK is for developers familiar with Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) who want to programmatically integrate with the Alerts notification service to access advanced features.

Windows Live Search SDK

Microsoft has announced a software development kit (SDK) for Windows Live Search:

You can easily add Search to your site with our Live Search box. For more options, use our Live Search Web Service, where you’ll be able to query for web results, images, news, phonebook listings, feeds, and meta tags.

According to Microsoft the software development kit provides:

1. SOAP API - With the SOAP API you can create a custom search engine, enhance your existing site search with spelling suggestions, images, news articles, feeds and phonebook results.
2. AJAX Control - Easily add search to your web site with this AJAX control. Deploy the script as is from the wizard, or customize it for more functionality.

Silverlight Streaming SDK

Microsoft has announced a software development kit (SDK) for Silverlight:

Microsoft Silverlight Streaming by Windows Live is a Silverlight companion service that makes it easier to deliver and scale rich media. The service offers a free and convenient solution for hosting and streaming cross-platform, cross-browser media experiences and rich interactive applications that run on Windows and Mac.

Combined with the ability to create content with Microsoft Expression Studio and other 3rd party tools, Web designers and content publishers wishing to integrate Silverlight applications into their online properties can enjoy complete control of the end user experience.

Here's the fine print:

While the service is in beta, storage is free up to 10 GB and streaming is free up to 5 TB of aggregated bandwidth per user account per month. Videos should not exceed 10 minutes and have a maximum bit rate of 1.4 Mbps. As we move out of beta, unlimited streaming will also be available for free with advertising, or with payment of a nominal fee for use of the service without advertising.

Windows Live Messenger SDK

Microsoft has announced a software development kit (SDK) for Windows Live Messenger:

Let web site visitors interact with Windows Live Messenger users using the Windows Live Messenger Library, Windows Live Messenger IM Control, and the Windows Live Presence API.  You can also use the Windows Live Messenger client, version 7.0 and later, to develop a single-user or multi-user application through the Windows Live Messenger Activity API.

According to Microsoft the software development kit provides:

1. IM Control - The IM Control enables web sites to show the presence of Windows Live Messenger users and let site visitors engage in IM conversations with site owners or representatives.
2. Presence API - The Presence API is an HTTP-based API that returns a Windows Live Messenger user's presence.
3. Messenger Library - The Windows Live Messenger Library is a client-side JavaScript library that enables third-party sites to seamlessly add instant messaging capabilities with Windows Live Messenger.