The Ajax Miracle

With the advent of Ajax, the same level of user experience on desktop is possible on the web platform. All of a sudden, company like Google not only emerges as the leader of the new web platform (aka Web 2.0), but a serious treat to Microsoft, the monopoly of desktop platform.

Why is Ajax able to change the IT landscape over night? Why did Bill Gates shout aloud we are entering into the “live era” of software?

Ajax needs only XMLHttpRequest object to function. The first web browser that implements the object is the Internet Explorer 5.0 as an ActiveX object. (Yes! It is from Microsoft :0) It is the simplicity of the implementation that one after another web browser starts to support the object. With so many browsers supporting the object, developing web application incorporating Ajax is a breeze. The application will work not only on Windows platform but also Mac and UNIX platforms.

Microsoft unplanned contributions to Ajax make it possible for Google to popularize the technology among the web developers. Microsoft managers finally realize that maybe they are betting the company’s future on the wrong product. The .NET architecture has always being the bet of the company’s future. Albeit heavy investments on .NET, the success of the architecture is mediocre. On the other hand, the desktop market segment that Microsoft has so much confidence in is now facing challenges from Google.

Where is Microsoft planning to go? I think Microsoft has no choice but to continue the .NET commitment at the same time play the catch-up game in the Web 2.0 platform. With the strong financial position that Microsoft has been enjoying, it is very likely that we will see another success from the company.