Scrubbing Ajax Clean

Ajax is really cool Web technology. In case you aren't aware of what it can do, it's an enabler that can make Web apps function like a desktop app -- e.g. Parts of the screen can be redrawn with new content without the need to reload an entire Web page.

Ajax works by using Javascript to get its work done. Data passes back and forth between the Web client and server depending on user interaction with the Web application. This of course presents a problem because like most types of code there are security risks you need to consider.

Read this article over at IT Observer to get a better picture of what to look for. And if you want to see some super slick Ajax applications in action then head over to ajaxLaunch.com where you'll find that Michael Robertson (founder and former CEO of Lindows ... errr ... Linspire) is working to produce Ajax-based applications beginning with ajaxWrite, which is compatible with MS Word documents, and ajaxSketch, which lets you create charts and diagrams. Also check out eyespot.com , which is an Ajax-based video editor!

All these tools are excellent examples of where the Web is headed in terms of functionality. It's exciting, but at the same time I find more than a bit disturbing. The reason is that we could be  headed towards a software market that will push very hard for acceptance of complete on-demand application access, which if handled selfishly could mean that you lose control over your own desktop. Think about the ramifications of this scenario for a few minutes...