Microsoft just released Beta 1 of their new, designer-oriented web development product, Expression Web. Expression Web, which requires v2.0 of the .NET Framework, can be downloaded for free from Microsoft (requires free registration and a Windows Live ID).

As the marketing copy states,

Expression Web is a professional design tool that helps you create and work with: - Standards-based Web sites - Sophisticated CSS-based layouts - Extensive CSS formatting and management - Rich data presentation - Powerful ASP.NET 2.0-based technology

The Beta works with Windows XP SP2, Windows 2003, and Windows Vista, and is all that, plus a bag of chips. I’m installing it now and will report back with my thoughts before too long.