.NET represents a new generation of software from Microsoft and has influenced almost every software created by Microsoft.
Standards Web services and the Common Language Runtime are the two major changes in application development software tools and technologies between .NET and the DNA platforms.
Even though the .NET Framework and Visual Studio .NET, which represent the core technology used by application developers to develop custom applications, are really the most significant components of this platform, they are slowly finding their way to changing the underlying architecture of other components of the Microsoft platform, including Office Suite (now known as Office System), and Enterprise Servers (now known as Windows Server System).
The .NET Framework includes the Common Language Runtime (CLR), a set of programming languages, a rich class library, ASP.NET for Web applications development, support for XML Web services development, and interoperability with existing COM applications.
Included with the 1.1 release of the .NET Framework is the .NET Compact Framework, which provides support for deploying mobile applications on mobile phone and PDA devices.
Visual Studio .NET provides a true integrated set of tools for development of .NET Windows and Web applications, Web services, and mobile applications.
To provide a set of prepackaged functionality to developers using Web services standards, Microsoft has released a set of hosted Web services that can be easily integrated into existing or new applications. These Web services include MapPoint Web service, .NET Alerts, and .NET Passport.
Apart from the custom application infrastructure represented by the .NET Framework, a set of enterprise servers provide prepackaged and customizable functionality for enterprises . Many of these enterprise servers now leverage and integrate with the .NET Framework.
