The reason is that web standards developed and now include a video standard. Microsoft is more supporting to web standards now than ever before.
Additionally, there are many platforms that no longer support browser plugins. iPad, and WindowsRT come to mind. Also, with phones and other small portable devices, loading additional things like Silverlight is getting less likely.
>Netflix dropping Silverlight, thought it is intersting they making the move now. I just don't understand how MSFT could spend so much money and development on something, then drop it so quickly which causes other companies to drop it. How long did it last before they announced they were droping it.... perhaps 2 years? This link is not from a tech article, but from an "so so" investing site.
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http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/04/15/netflix-to-drop-microsoft-silverlight.aspx
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Microsoft .Net MVP, Grape City Community Influencer