Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web. Examples include:

* For ASP.NET-based Web applications, Silverlight provides a rich UI front-end that, with a consistent programming model, adds support for richer interactivity, media, and audio.
* For Microsoft SharePoint–based content, Silverlight offers the ability to create rich Web parts.
* For Windows Live services, Silverlight offers the ability to consume services and APIs more effectively.