Introduction

.NET is a Microsoft® operating system platform that incorporates applications and a suite of tools and services which enhance Web service and application development.

The .NET framework uses components called Common Language Runtime (CLR), Framework Class Library (FCL), and ASP.NET. The CLR is equivalent to the Java Virtual Machine, in that it manages code and executes it in the native language of the machine on which it runs. The Framework Class Library is a massive library of re-usable object types that cover a myriad of program functions. ASP.NET is a server-side technology that allows web pages and services to load much faster than traditional ASP pages. Together, these three components of the .NET framework make application and Web development easier, more streamlined, and provides easier integration into existing environments. Clients and servers on different platforms running services written in various programming languages can communicate with each other swiftly and easily.

For more information on .NET technology, go to msdn.microsoft.com/netframework.