AJAX, or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, is a technique for implementing Rich Internet applications (RIAs). Sites that use AJAX generally provide a more interractive and responsive interface similar to desktop applications. Although RIAs may resemble desktop applications, they are different in the sense that they run entirely within a browser window and do not require any custom software to be installed on the users operating system, thus greatly simplifying deployment.

AJAX and INDI

INDI utilizes AJAX extensively in a desktop-like interface that should be familiar to most users. This interface includes windows, menus, toolbars, and drag-and-drop functionality common in most operating systems. Once INDI has loaded into a users browser, the page will never refresh again. Instead, AJAX is used to retrieve data and change the state of the interface.