This week at MIX07, Web designers, Web developers, industry decision-makers and marketing professionals gathered as Microsoft Corp.’s Ray Ozzie, chief software architect, and Scott Guthrie, general manager of the Developer Division, presented the full breadth of Microsoft’s vision and road map for Microsoft Silverlight and how it fits into the company’s broader Microsoft .NET platform and tools effort.

A core component of Microsoft’s overall strategy for the Web, Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET-based media experiences and rich interactive applications. In addition to making the beta of Silverlight available for download, Microsoft announced unprecedented support for dynamic languages including Python and Ruby, powerful services integration and new tooling in the Expression Studio and the next edition of Visual Studio, code-named “Orcas,” for building Silverlight applications.

Rebtel announces the introduction of free phone calls between the US and Mexico for the first two weeks of May 2007.

Beginning May 3 and running through May 19, customers in the United States and Mexico will have the ability to call loved ones without paying Rebtel anything for a total of 60 minutes (regular Rebtel rates are 2 cents, $.02, per minute) and without having to sign a contract, download any software, enter special PIN codes, or use different devices.

Customers can make as many calls as they like (10 minutes maximum per call) until they reach a one hour in total. To make more calls for free, they simply need to follow the instructions from the Rebtel operator at the start of each call, which are easy to follow in Spanish and English.

Vertical Communications announce the immediate availability of Xcelerator IP, a compact, cost-effective, feature-rich and fully integrated SIP-based IP telephony, data router/firewall and wireless access point solution. Designed for small businesses, the new all-in-one Xcelerator IP Business Communications System delivers significant and immediate cost savings by eliminating the need to purchase, integrate and manage multiple voice and data components. In addition, Xcelerator IP customers can reduce monthly communications costs by combining voice and data links through SIP-based access solutions provided by one of Vertical’s certified Internet Telephony Service Providers.

Comprehensive Communications, a Vertical Business Partner located in Great Neck NY, recently installed Xcelerator IP for a multi-site pharmacy customer. As a result, the pharmacy was able to switch from a digital telephone infrastructure to an IP system without rewiring the existing computer network. In addition, because Xcelerator IP offers advanced mobility features, the pharmacy staff can now answer calls from remote locations rather than having to be in the store, greatly improving customer service.

YFonGlobal and CounterPath announced that the companies have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate CounterPath's award-winning softphone technology into wyndstorm - YFonGlobal's social network and social media product offering.

"By partnering with CounterPath in integrating their calling technology, wyndstorm customers and community members will enjoy the most advanced, secure and collaborative communication environment available on the market today," said Marian Sabety, President and CEO of YFonGlobal. "YFonGlobal is thrilled to launch this latest version of wyndstorm, which is among the first platforms in the social network industry to offer integrated voice/video calling and Instant Messaging capabilities, enabling customers to offer a more dynamic and interactive communication experience to their members."