Microsoft Releases AJAX Tool to the Web

Microsoft has released its Asynchronous JavaScript and XML tool, ASP.NET AJAX 1.0, to the Web.

ASP.NET AJAX, formerly known by the code name “Atlas,” is Microsoft’s offering for developers to build next-generation, AJAX-style web applications through integration with the .Net Framework and the Microsoft platform.

ASP.NET AJAX 1.0 includes enhanced training capabilities made available by: Virtual Labs, MS Learning Online Clinics, resource kits, third-party reference materials and online tutorials.

In addition, ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions will be available under the Microsoft Reference License (Ms-RL). This will enable developers to view the ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions code aiding in application debugging, maintenance and interoperability.

The software is available for download here.

Keith Smith, group product manager, Microsoft Core Web Platform & Tools, said Microsoft’s implementation of AJAX, ASP.NET AJAX is a free framework for creating more interactive, more efficient and more personalized Web experiences that work across all the most popular browsers.

“With ASP.NET AJAX Web designers and developers can build standards-compliant Web sites using the skills they already have and tools they already know,” he said.

Moreover, Smith said Microsoft is providing best-in-class tools that enable teams to work together to build solutions more quickly and get them to market even faster.

“For example, using the integrated tools provided by Microsoft Expression Studio and Microsoft Visual Studio Team Suite, teams can design, develop, debug, test and deploy Web sites faster than ever before,” he said.

Read more here about efforts to enable Web applications to work offline.

“Our tools will get even better with Visual Studio code-named ‘Orcas,’ which will have better JavaScript authoring and debugging and tighter integration with .Net Framework 3.0.

In addition, Microsoft said customers using ASP.NET AJAX are able to get more business value from their Web sites, because they can deliver differentiated, relevant and productive experiences to their customers, creating an enhanced user experience that keeps their customers coming back.

Customers such as Burton Snowboards, Phanfare and Shelfari have all benefited from implementing ASP.NET AJAX on their Web sites , Smith said

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