AppFabric is a combination of the distributed caching features previously codenamed “Velocity” and the composite application management features previously codenamed “Dublin”.  These extensions to Windows Server combine to enable a rich IIS-based “application server” platform for Developers.
image You can install the AppFabric using the uber-versatility of the Web Platform Installer (WebPI).  

Note the following procedure to obtain AppFabric via the WebPI:

1.  First enable the “Enterprise” tab by using the WebPI Options button.

2.  Next, locate the Server AppFabric beta2 package within the Enterprise tab. 

3.  Finally, Select the package and then click Install.

Dependencies for AppFabric include the .NET4 Framework.   Consequently, AppFabric is best enjoyed in combination with Visual Studio 2010 RC or via .NET4 RC independent of VS2010.   Install .NET4 RC prior to the AppFabric installation.  Also, be sure to stop any running FTP service (net stop ftpsvc).

AppFabric is a set of integrated technologies that make it easier to build, scale, and manage Web and composite applications that run on IIS.   Windows Sever AppFabric targets applications built using ASP.NET, Windows Communications Foundation (WCF), and Windows Workflow Foundation (WF).  It provides out-of-the-box capabilities for you to easily build and manage composite applications, including:

  • Enhanced design and development tools integration with Visual Studio.
  • Integration with IIS Manager and Windows PowerShell for Management and monitoring of services and workflows.
  • Integrated distributed-memory application cache facilities to scale solution performance.

Find samples and learn more about AppFabric at the MSDN AppFabric Developer Center.