Microsoft is to make its recently unveiled Silverlight 'Flash killer' plug-in available on Linux.

The commercial release of Silverlight 1.0 is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering richer user experiences on the web.

Microsoft confirmed that it will work with Novell to deliver Silverlight support for Linux, called Moonlight, based on the project started on mono-project.com.

The Redmond giant unveiled Silverlight at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters conference in April and released the beta version to the public in May.

Silverlight claims to significantly reduce development and deployment costs, and provides enhanced web audio and video streaming and playback using Windows Media.

Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at Microsoft, said: "With today's release of Silverlight 1.0, we are making it possible for developers and designers to deliver to individuals the kind of high-def experiences they crave by integrating data and services in rich and unique ways."

Ozzie added that Silverlight 1.0 will offer developers and designers new options for delivering content across multiple platforms including web, PC, phone and other devices.

The decision to work with Novell to offer Silverlight support for the Linux platform is in direct response to customer feedback, both companies said.

Microsoft is also rolling out the Silverlight Partner Initiative. More than 35 companies have already signed up to support Silverlight.