Deploy XAML App in IE6?

Question

Hi,

I would like to know if I can take a XAML application and bundle it with the right DLLs to distribute to IE6 users using Windows XP?

Essentially I would like to use Avalon to do a nice UI for my app, and let the users install and run it in/from IE6.

If it's run like a desktop app, atleast it should be possible to install just using IE6 and XP, logging into my server and download an MSI package, correct?
Which additional files/sdk has to be installed in the users PC through the browser?

Are there any samples on how to do this, or do I have to wait for Longhorn?
I would love to start developing my app now and deploy to existing users, and be way ahead of the game when Longhorn finally arrives.

Best regards,
Jocke

Answer 1

You can deploy express applications that use WPF.  If the user does not have WPF/.Net 2.0 installed it will be a rather large download to install those prior to installing your application however.

Answer 2

Web Browser Applications (formerly Express Applications) can run in IE6 or IE7 (or any browser that hosts the Web Browser activeX control).

 

Web Browser Applications are WPF apps that are:

1. Browser Hosted
2. Non-installed (cached)
3. Run in a security sandbox.

 

Because they are not installed & sandboxed, users do not see an installation/security prompt before WBAs are launched.   Also, because WBAs are WPF apps, they have the visual richness (vector graphics, animations, 3D, etc) and programmability (baked in databinding, XAML, authoring in C#, VB, etc) of WPF. 

 

If you want to get started, there is a VS Project templates for “WPF Web Browser Applications.”  (More info on how to configure your server to handle the WPF mime types can be found in the SDK.)

 

 

Answer 3

I think it is possible to package everything (.NET 2.0 runtime + WinFX runtime) but I don't think the license for WinFX allows that (yet). And you cannot start to distribute your application - you will probably have to wait for WinFX Beta 2 for a "Go-Live" license.

And I don't know about being ahead of the game - Longhorn (Vista) will be released in sync with Avalon/WinFX.

Hope this helps,
Valentin Iliescu