We have been using Microsoft(r) Visual studio 2005 for a year now. Microsoft(r) is coming out with its newest version of the dotnet framework 3.x.
Some patches are available at the Microsoft(r) website where in you can continue to use Microsoft(r) VS. Net 2005 for developing applications for the 3.x framework.
The features of the 3.x framework include:
1) Support for vista development namely Windows Presentation Foundation(WPF), Windows Communication Foundation(WCF)
2) XAML based coding(similar to XML, and can be used to define control colors, size, position, etc)
3) According to reports that I have read we would be able to provide these features in applications running on Windows XP Sp2 and higher!
Overall the advantages for developers are lesser time needed to implement the basic functionality. We can deliver better looking GUI faster.
For additional information please visit the Microsoft(r) website and look for the Dotnet framework 3.x.
Note: This year’s TechEd is happening only in Mumbai, and it is said to be a grand affair covering a lot of topics. If anyone visits TechEd, pls drop me a message telling me how it went.