While there are many URL shortening services available, Microsoft is hoping that web developers will be more interested in using its URL Rewriter 2.0. It enables developers to provide the service for their own sites through an extension of its IIS 7.0 web server.
Everyone, including the search engines, appreciates a readable URL, but many content management systems (CMS) create URLs that nobody can read. Microsoft’s URL Rewriter 2.0 provides developers with the ability to create rewrite rules which support inbound and outbound links.
The URL Rewriter 2.0 module comes with URL rewrite templates for different types of URLs, making it easier to use the extension on existing sites. Developers can also tell IIS to redirect any instances of complex URLs that are still being used to redirect to new ones that they have created.
If you are interested in using the extension, it is free to download. The Microsoft Web Platform installer simplifies the installation process, and is recommended for most developers.
