Posting from Las Vegas: It's becoming more and more clear why Microsoft is building those big data centers around the world. At the company's Mix conference this morning here in Las Vegas, Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie announced a new service called Silverlight Streaming, in conjunction with the Silverlight browser plug-in, Microsoft's new Flash competitor. The service will provide Web application and video hosting to developers.

Here's how the Silverlight Streaming page explains the terms and capacity:

While the product is in pre-release, storage and delivery is free up to 4 GB, with outbound streaming up to DVD quality (700 Kbps). As we move out of Beta, developers/designers will have continued use of the service with up to 1 million minutes of free video streaming at 700 Kpbs per site per month. Unlimited streaming will also be available for free with advertising, or with payment of a nominal fee for the service for use without advertising.

"I think you should consider it as a sign of things to come in terms of our software and services platform," Ozzie told the audience.

On the technical side, Microsoft also announced that developers will be able to use the .Net development platform to create Silverlight applications for Windows and Mac. See additional coverage by LiveSide.net and Mary Jo Foley.