Microsoft to ship Web design, graphics app by mid-2007

04.12.2006
Microsoft Corp. plans to release its first suite of Web and graphic design software by mid-2007, putting it into head-to-head competition with graphics kingpin, Adobe Systems Inc.

The software suite, now named Expression Studio, is expected to ship sometime in the second quarter. All four components will sell for a combined price of US$599.

The suite, which had been by the end of this year with just three applications, now includes iView Media Pro photo management software acquired by Microsoft in June.

That application, now renamed Expression Media, is available for trial or purchase for $299 at Microsoft's Web site, with a free upgrade once the product ships next year.

Expression Web, a Web design tool that is the successor to Microsoft's discontinued Frontpage software, is available now for $299, said Microsoft, with a 60-day trial for download at Microsoft's site. Frontpage users can upgrade for $99.

Microsoft said the latest public beta of Expression Blend, an interactive design tool formerly known as Interactive Designer, has a new user interface. The beta became available today. It will cost $499 and will include Visual Studio Standard.