I get a lot of questions about 'relationship' of our Microsoft Chart Control to the well known Dundas Data Visualization controls. You can definitely see the similarities in the features, appearance, APIs and demos we use.
So I will start with a little bit of history... Dundas is one of the leaders in data visualization, who provides well known Chart, Gauge, Map and other visual controls for different Microsoft development platforms (ASP.NET, Windows Forms, SQL Reporting Services and SharePoint). Microsoft acquired Dundas Data Visualization Intellectual Property in April 2007 and is integrating this technology in different Microsoft products. New Chart and Gauge report items were already released as part of SQL Reporting Services 2008. We also announced the new Map report item which will be available in the next release of SSRS. Microsoft Chart controls (ASP.NET and Windows Forms), released at PDC 2008, also based on the source code acquired from Dundas! Microsoft Chart control is available as a separate installation for .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 and will be part of .NET Framework 4.0.
Where I can download the new Microsoft Chart controls?
You can download and install chart from this link.
So what are the differences between Microsoft and Dundas controls?
Microsoft Chart control is based on Dundas Chart source code version 5.5. We spent significant amount of time making sure the control passes Microsoft security review and meets accessibility, API and other requirements. As a result there were a few changes including changes in the public API. Several features were also cut:
- Chart UI (Toolbar, Context Menu and Property Pages)
- Flash and SVG Rendering and Animations
- ASP.NET scrolling and zooming
When other controls (Gauge, Map, ...) will be available in the .NET Framework?
Microsoft does not have the exact dates at this moment when other data visualization controls for .NET Framework will be released.
Can I still purchase visualization controls from Dundas?
Yes, you can still purchase visualization controls from Dundas. Our team will continue bringing new visualizations to different Microsoft products; meanwhile they will be available from Dundas directly, where they continue to support and enhance available visualizations.
How do I get technical support?
Standard Microsoft support options are available including dedicated Microsoft Chart Control Forum. Please note that Dundas keeps supporting the products purchased directly from them and is not responsible for any support for Microsoft Chart Controls.