Microsoft .NET Compact Framework is a subset of the full .NET Framework, optimized for Windows mobile-based devices like the Pocket PC and Smartphone. According to OpenNETCF, the Smart Device Framework helps developers bridge "the very large API gap" between the two frameworks, by providing classes that replicate features found in the full Framework, yet omitted in the Compact Framework, as well as by adding controls and classes missing from both Frameworks.

Replacement classes to replicate desktop functionality include class libraries such as ThreadEx, MonitorEx, MarshalEx, and a full Configuration namespace. New libraries include IO.Serial.Port, RoundGauge, HTMLViewer, InkX, OwnerDrawnList, and WAV audio, as well as Phone APIs for Pocket PC Phone Edition and Microsoft Smartphone.

The Smart Device Framework comes complete with source code, allowing developers and organizations to have full control over componentization and library size. The organization also says that the Smart Device Framework also has an extremely liberal no-cost license allowing free integration into applications ranging from personal use to full enterprise solutions.

"OpenNETCF.org is a great addition to the .NET Compact Framework technology," noted Jonathan Wells, product Manager of Microsoft's .NET Developer Product Management Group. "Their continued work helps our customers bring more feature-rich applications and decrease time to market."

OpenNETCF.org is a repository for information and open source projects specifically targeting the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework.