Asynchronous JavaScript and XML

http://www.adaptivepath.com/publications/essays/archives/000385.php

You will be seeing this idea more and more. It cracks open the last barrier between browser applications and other PC apps, and with Google showing off how cool it is, it is bound to stay. I've been watching it for about 3 years, and now it's getting the attention it deserves.

It's the thing that allows GMAIL to update your browser with new emails without reloading your webpage, or allowing you to scroll across 100 yards of map seamlessly, one inch at a time--in your browser! I like it.

I like it alot.

-Jared