Microsoft today announced the official release to Web of ASP.NET AJAX 1.0. This tool provides Web developers with the essential tools to simplify building next-generation, AJAX-style Web applications through what it calls "seamless integration with the .NET Framework and Microsoft platform."

Today's announcement at the http://ajax.asp.net/ web site is succinct:

"ASP.NET AJAX is a free framework for quickly creating a new generation of more efficient, more interactive and highly-personalized Web experiences that work across all the most popular browsers."

ASP.NET AJAX RTW 1.0, says the company, includes all features in previous versions plus:

• Enhanced training capabilities made available by: Virtual Labs, MS Learning Online Clinics, resource kits, 3rd-party reference materials and online tutorials.
  
• ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions will be available under the Microsoft Reference License (Ms-RL). This will enable developers to view the ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions code aiding in application debugging, maintenance and interoperability.

Microsoft contends that customers using ASP.NET AJAX will be able to get more business value from their Web sites. The reason? "Because they can deliver differentiated, relevant and productive experiences to their customers, creating an enhanced user experience that keeps customers coming back."

Customers such as Burton Snowboards, Phanfare and Shelfari, says the official Microsoft release, have all benefited from implementing ASP.NET AJAX on their Web sites. The benefits are summarized by the company as follows:

"With ASP.NET AJAX, you can:

Create next-generation interfaces with reusable AJAX components.

Enhance existing Web pages using powerful AJAX controls with support for all modern browsers.

Continue using Visual Studio 2005 to take your ASP.NET 2.0 sites to the next level.

Access remote services and data directly from the browser without writing a ton of complicated script.

24x7 technical support provided by Microsoft."