[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Silverlight to Stream Obama's Inauguration here

[drzoo2]

Cross browser but not cross platform...ie Linux. Why chose such a closed standard? Why not just standard streaming protocols that don't require special software? It's not like there are only two...Adobe and MS. This is a government function, there should be no DRM requirement to stream this event. BS
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[dennisl59]

Follow the Money.

[BAMT]

So much for Obama's change... Cross-platform compatibility is a must. Now I just will have to attempt to, uhh... attempt to circumvent the SilverLight requirement.

[ahawesome]

Why did Microsoft have to go out and develop a new "standard"? Aren't we all perfectly fine using Flash? Apparently not. This is just another way to make sure that every computer in the world runs Microsoft software.

[lenioia]

Flash isn't surely a "standard", being its format proprietary. At least Silverlight format is XML based (you can create most content for it with just any text editor and the free documentation files available from Microsoft)
So what's wrong with two plug-ins competing with each other? Somebody think Adobe isn't making money from Flash, isn't hoping to have its software on each pc? Software is their business, of course they do want it to be successful and to make money from it.
Just let the best one win - or just let them both be installed everywhere so any site can pick the best fit for its contents and features. Or suddenly no one likes competition anymore?

[markt9]

http://theora.org/benefits/ will show you there are OPEN and FREE formats that work for everyone, not just who Microsoft chooses. Why should my tax dollars go to continuing a convicted monopoly? This should be a PUBLIC event., not Microsoft paying off government to push their agenda. Does this mean another 8 years the DOJ ignores the illegal practices of Microsoft? Wake up and realise Microsoft could, but won't so they can continue their monopoly. I'd like to see competition baised on standards and freedom, not Microsoft paying off someone.

[iiiworld]

I agree with all those objecting. This is completely unacceptable for any government site to put up closed proprietary solution that hamper competition. The Silverlight technology is NOT an open solution. Neither is flash for that matter. However, at least with flash (even though I don't like that it is also proprietary) supports GNU/Linux and non-Apple/Microsoft operating systems and has open specifications for competition. I think if they are going to use flash they need to stick with specifications that are supported by competing versions of flash such as GNash.

Silverlight's specifications are semi-open even though Microsoft doesn't support other operating systems. Adobe releases a proprietary version of Flash for many operating systems and specifications that allow for an open version to be developed. One competing flash player is Gnash.

[sirk63]

Ditto...All good valid points.