(SYS-CON Media) ComponentArt has announced the immediate availability of Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX – the first suite of controls designed specifically for the platform.

ASP.NET AJAX is a free framework made available by Microsoft for quickly creating a whole new generation of more efficient, more interactive and highly-personalized Web experiences that work across all popular browsers. Bringing the best of AJAX together with the advanced features of ASP.NET 2.0, Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX lets developers create websites and web applications with a richer, more responsive user interface.

Part of ComponentArt's Web.UI 2006.2 release, Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX augments Microsoft's foundation with a set of 13 advanced user interface controls designed specifically for the new framework. Going far beyond basic compatibility or interoperability, Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX offers true integration with ASP.NET AJAX in several key areas: All controls inherit from the Sys.UI.Control client-side base class, expose extensive client-side object models built for the AJAX Library type system, and feature the unique ability to be programmatically modified on the client - with immediate refresh of the corresponding screen area.

"ComponentArt is very excited about our unique positioning in the ASP.NET AJAX space" says Miljan Braticevic, President of ComponentArt. "Rather than create a proprietary AJAX framework of our own, we have embraced Microsoft's new state-of-the-art component model, and delivered the industry's first suite of true ASP.NET AJAX controls. Beginning today, our customers can utilize the best-of-breed AJAX development framework with Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX, and best-of-breed UI controls with ComponentArt Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX".

Keith Smith, Group Product Manager at Microsoft agrees: "ComponentArt has been a great partner for ASP.NET since the beginning and Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX continues that tradition. ComponentArt took advantage of the frequent public preview releases of ASP.NET AJAX to ensure their control suite not only works well with ASP.NET AJAX 1.0 but also fully integrates with the framework on both the client and server. Web.UI is a powerful suite of controls that will take any site enhanced with ASP.NET AJAX to the next level."

Availability and Pricing
The full and free trial versions of Web.UI for ASP.NET AJAX are available for immediate download from the Web.UI Download page. The Web.UI suite is available for purchase at Developer, Subscription and Enterprise License levels, with prices starting at $799 per developer.