AJAX is a technology that stands for Asynchronous Javascript over XML. It is a technique that a growing number of web sites are using to make the user input and display process between user and web page forms more interactive and intuitive.

AJAX is becoming increasingly popular today - it is heavily popularized by Google and Yahoo, most prominently in Google maps. Users are able to scroll maps around in any direction seamlessly without waiting for postback requests to the server.

Imagine a scenario where a user had to select from a DVD title from an extremely large library of DVDs (say over 10,000). Naturally to load 10,000 CD titles into a drop down for a user to select would not be very efficient, not to mention extremely aggravating for the user to scroll through once such a list is loaded. As a web developer, you could implement a search page and allow the user type in key words, then have the server process the key words and return a list of possible choices. However, what if you needed this selection process to occur as part of some larger web form? Such a search would then have to be done in several pages - removing the user an additional step from their real goal - presumably to view the DVD, or buy it. The more a GUI interface disconnects the user from their real goals, the more likely they will lose interest. With AJAX it is possible to allow a user to search and select one of those DVD titles right from a single ComboBox without forcing them to wait for the server to process and rebuild the web page from search results. This AJAX ComboBox would allow the user to type in key words and see search appear in the dropdown immediately, as the user was typing. The user can then instantly see if the CD titles are available, and try multiple search possibilities on the fly without waiting for the web page to refresh. Once the desired selection is made, the dropdown could collapse with his/her selection. All this could be accomplished without the need of a separate search page or postback. For an example of this in action, click here.

Not only does this enhance the user experience making them more likely to continue using your web site, but the result is that web pages can eventually react to user requests like real windows applications.

AJAX controls on web pages make your web applications behave more like real windows applications. It gives you the power to design web interfaces that require data in real time. This makes it possible for web developers like yourself to create web pages that have just as much power as a full blown application, but run right from the browser.

BlazeControls currently offers low cost web controls which bring the power of AJAX to developers like yourself for very little cost - right out of the box. You will find our controls very easy to implement, require no knowledge of Javascript or the inner workings of asynchronous communications. Our controls bundle thousands of man hours of research and development in AJAX technology, so you can focus your development efforts on what really matters, like building powerful web application. BlazeControls products come with several common uses built right in. For additional details visit our product showcases for BlazeSuggest or BlazeSuggestPro, or try them out today for free at our downloads page.