Microsoft has claimed that enhancements to its .Net programming tools will allow developers to build more secure and reliable web services applications.

The software giant will release Visual Studio.Net 2003, previously code-named Everett, on 24 April, along with Windows Server 2003 and the 64-bit version of SQL Server.

Visual Studio.Net 2003 is being tied in very closely with Windows Server 2003 to try and boost the development of web services applications.

Microsoft also unveiled its Compact Framework that will make it easier to develop web services which can be accessed from mobile devices.

Ivo Salmre, product manager for .Net developers and tools at Microsoft, told vnunet.com: "It gives enterprises the ability to bring mobile devices into the fray, and makes it as easy to call a web service from a device as it is from a desktop or server."

Publicly, Microsoft is playing down the importance of the release ahead of major changes predicted in the next version of Visual Studio, code-named Whidbey.

"It is a fit and finish release; a maturity of the product getting out those last minute bugs and widening out the features," said Salmre.

He claimed that the release of Windows Server 2003 and this version of Visual Studio would appeal to companies that have already used internal web services and are now looking to build external ones.

"It will be of interest to organisations looking to talk with suppliers," explained Salmre. "For people who have very tight relationships with partners, and operate almost as a virtual organisation, the economic incentive is there."