OpenNETCF Releases Smart Device Framework 1.3 - and Application Blocks!
I’ve been a bit busy as of late… very busy, actually. So busy, in fact, that I am ashamed to say that I have not passed along this information sooner. It is very good news.
OpenNETCF has released version 1.3 of the open source Smart Device Framework, with a number of enhancements and new classes. As always, the SDF is a must-have for all Compact Framework developers, and V1.3 just reinforces that fact. You can download the SDF from the OpenNETCF web site.
As great as this news is, it is actually eclipsed in my mind that OpenNETCF has also released the first version of their Application Blocks for the Compact Framework! About a year ago, I brought up the subject of porting some of the Application Blocks for the .NET Framework over to the Compact Framework with some of the .NET CF MVPs. At the time, I was a bit disappointed that Windows Mobile devices were considered “Smart Clients” by Microsoft, yet all architecture, patterns and practices and supporting Smart Client information were completely focused on standard .NET Framework development. At the time of that original conversation, everyone seemed to think that would be a great idea; of course, everyone was busy doing other things ;-) I am excited to hear about the OpenNETCF team undertaking (in conjunction with Microsoft) the porting effort, and more excited in knowing that there was no other group of individuals who could do the project justice.
You can read more about the Application Blocks and download the code here.
To say “congratulations” to everyone involved with OpenNETCF would be an understatement. But, it’s the best I can do at the moment ;-) GREAT WORK!