It's Not a Scouring Powder
Author: Erin K. Henry
June 2007
Have you built an interactive web application which processes user requests to a browser in real time? Well, then you must have used AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) to do it! This nonproprietary technology uses a combination of several programming tools such as CSS, XML, Javascript and dynamic HTML. An easier way to explain AJAX is that it is a set of technology’s being used together in a specific way. What does all of this mean to a non-techy? It means when you are on a world wide webpage and you are trying to get some information using your browser, the page doesn’t have to reload each time you change your request saving a bit of time due to a faster response time. As with any technology, there are still a few ‘glitches’ to include browser integration, network latency, and the reliability on the Javascript. Google has invested lots of money in this technology or architected approach to their web application product line. Yahoo and Netflix are others who have followed suit on the AJAX way. It will be interesting to see how the use of these conglomerate technologies and approach takes shape in our own Dayton market as local companies are just now starting to catch the AJAX fever.
About the Author:
Erin K. Henry, Sr. Recruiting Manager of Surrex Solutions Corporation has worked in the IT staffing industry for 7 years. Prior to that, she worked 12 years as a Human Resources professional mostly for local IT companies. She also works part-time for Sinclair Community College as a Management Instructor. She is passionate about technology, people, and her community.
