Web Development Live

Fundamentally, AJAX enables back-channel communication in Web applications so that only small portions of Web pages need to be updated in response to user activity. Compared with traditional Web applications that follow the familiar pattern of waiting for a whole page to load, deciding what to do, clicking and waiting again, AJAX applications offer a better user experience. Plus, if done right, an AJAX-style applications can reduce both bandwidth and server requirements.

It’s no wonder that AJAX has generated lots of hype. However, before you “AJAXify” your Web applications, you need to be aware of the pitfalls, particularly in the areas of security, reliability and performance.

The three-day event gives the world’s largest chipmaker a chance to commune with the brainiacs who design desktop and laptop computers, along with an emerging genre of PCs that are bigger than cell phones but smaller than laptops.

Intel favors the label “mobile Internet device” for this new family of smaller PCs, such as the Asus Eee. Designed and built in Taiwan, this lightweight computer includes most features but is smaller than a notebook - so don’t expect to edit video.

Intel hopes this forum will create a buzz around its new Atom microprocessor, aimed at what it hopes will be a burgeoning market for these purse- and-pocket-sized computers.

Behind the name game looms a technological and financial battle as ever-more-powerful Internet-ready cell phones like the iPhone start to collide in function with the ever-shrinking mobile PC - giving the browsing public more ways to turn on, plug in and Web out.

A strategic assessment of the existing PTA website determined that while the site was serving local PTA organizers well, parents were not being adequately addressed. BrowserMedia developed the information architecture and design for the new PTA website with the goal of repositioning the site to address all of PTA’s core audiences. The resulting website serves the PTA’s mission by providing a powerful voice for children and the best tools for parents to help their children be successful students. BrowserMedia worked in collaboration with RiverPoint to build the site using the RedDot web content management system.

In advance of the launch of the revised website, BrowserMedia developed an interactive Flash presentation for the PTA’s annual convention. The presentation was designed to give the membership of PTA a preview of the new design, architecture, and focus of the PTA website. By all accounts, it was an overwhelming success. Previously, BrowserMedia has also developed an interactive micro-site for the PTA’s nationally recognized “Reflections” awards program, featuring the best works in photography, literature, dance, musical composition, film/video, and visual arts from thousands of school-age participants nationwide. To provide a platform for judges to review the finalists’ submissions, BrowserMedia developed a secured site for judges’ access only.

Judi Myers, Director of Communications and PR at PTA, said, “It has been great to work with you on this project as we wind up. I know that BrowserMedia will continue to be a partner with PTA. I look forward to continuing our successful relationship.”