Chapter 15: Advancements in .NET Framework Networking

This chapter will talk about emerging trends in the world of distributed application development and related enhancements in the Microsoft .NET Framework. Reviewing these trends will illuminate steps that you can take today as you architect solutions to ensure they will be poised to take advantage of new technology when it becomes available. In most cases, the .NET Framework already provides significant support for each of these trends. However, it is useful to recognize where the key focal points will be in the future.

A Note About the FTP Protocol

Customers of the .NET Framework versions 1 and 1.1 said they wanted the framework to support the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). In response to this feedback, FTP support is planned for the framework s next major release.

A couple of options are available for those who need immediate support. First, sample FTP implementations are available free of charge on public user groups, such as www.gotdotnet.com . Second, a number of third parties provide FTP solutions for the .NET Framework. Specific examples include /n Software ( www.nsoftware.com ), Sax.net ( www.sax.net ), and Dart Communications ( www.dart.com ).