Windows DNA and .NET
Did the phrase that I used earlier to describe .NET- "the new environment for creating and running robust, scalable, distributed applications"-sound familiar? If so, there's a reason: .NET is basically the offspring of an earlier attempt to satisfy these lofty goals. That platform was called Windows DNA. However, .NET is much more than Windows DNA was meant to be. Windows DNA was a solutions platform that focused on solving business problems through the use of Microsoft server products. The term "glue" was sometimes used with Windows DNA, as in, "DNA defines the glue used to piece together robust, scalable, distributed systems." However, aside from being a technical specification, Windows DNA didn't have any tangible pieces. This is just one of several major differences between Windows DNA and .NET. Microsoft .NET is not just a set of specifications. It also includes several tangible products, such as compilers, class libraries, and even whole end-user applications.