Microsoft wants part of the Ajax action

The term Ajax -- "asynchronous JavaScript and XML" -- is right up there with extreme programming as the trendiest way to do software development. Now, Microsoft is jumping on the Ajax wagon. A framework called Atlas will bring the merged fat/thin functionality, such as in Google Maps or Web Outlook, to both ASP .Net 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005. The big question is whether such software is useful or if it's inherently limited to your web browser's functions.

For more about Microsoft's plans:
- read this Microsoft Watch article

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