The History of Microsoft FrontPage

Developed in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Vermeer Technology Incorporated, FrontPage has the file extension of _vti_ to confirm. Microsoft acquired Vermeer in January 1996 only so they could add FrontPage to their product repertoire during the browser war years. Ironically, FrontPage was the designing power behind their browser, Internet Explorer.

WYSIWYG

FrontPage is most commonly known as being a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that simplifies creating web pages. This type of editor hides the complicated details of HTML code from the developer so they are able to see the website as it is being created. It gives a live snapshot as changes to the site are made. This is the perfect tool for novice web developers.

Bundles

FrontPage was initially released by Microsoft bundled with the circulation of Windows NT 4.0 Server and Internet Information Services 2.0. FrontPage 1.1 was to be run in conjunction with NT 4.0 or Windows 95. The initial aim of the program was to provide administrators with a resource enabling them to create rich internet content in an easy-to-use package.
Extensions

Initially required for IIS FrontPage extensions that the server-side extensions. These were also a bit 'of Microsoft Office software. In this phase, called the FrontPage Server Extensions (FPSE). In order to publish content, both expansions are needed for installation.

Cross-compatibility

Microsoft launched Windows and extensions to Unix-based crossmatch. As the software developed, new versions are also available that supported the WebDAV protocol used for creating web remotely. In 1998, Microsoft had a chance with FrontPage and published a version for Macintosh OS competitor. This version has much less, and Microsoft has not updated since.

Phase

In 2006, Microsoft announced it will begin phasing out products support Microsoft FrontPage SharePoint Designer and Microsoft Expression Web. SharePoint enables developers to easily design for software applications. Microsoft Expression Web is designed for web professionals to create feature-rich web sites. The abandonment of FrontPage was held in December 2006.

FrontPage has had a decade-long history of excellence for both beginners and veterans. Although Microsoft still plans to help with FrontPage, Expression Web will eventually end and slow type and Sharepoint. These new programs are based on the existing infrastructure was solid Microsoft FrontPage. Hopefully they will continue to accelerate the creation of websites and content for beginners like FrontPage does.