Web 2.0 is one of the latest crazes running amuck on the internet. It is cropping up in web sites and the topics of conversations from web designers - to site engineers - to user interface deconstructionists. It is powerful and useful, and it is anything but new.

Normally when someone today talks about Web 2.0, what they are speaking about specifically is the use of Asynchronous JavaScript and XML or more commonly named AJAX. AJAX uses a blend of several web technologies that have been around for quite a while, but is now becoming a standard and methods are compliant across most popular and industry standard web browsers. You can use Web 2.0 applications in Internet Explorer, Netscape’s last browser, Fire Fox from Mozilla and even in Opera.

When these browsers first started supporting the primary functions used in JavaScript (Internet Explorer 5 and Netscape 7) for the full bodied AJAX features, each browser handled the call differently. Different syntax in the request, and at times, different functions that could process the information in different ways. Now they conform and allow a common language in accessing the fundamental XMLHttpRequest scripting Object.

The combinations of technologies although used in the past, did not become a “craze” until the successful implementation of them from Google and other major internet players. You will see it used extensively in Gmail and Google Maps - and they are perfect examples of the power of the further emerging technology. AJAX essentially lets you do several small or large tasks in the background without reloading a web page, or submitting form data repeatedly to accomplish tasks. Imagine if you will a web form that changes the contents of drop down menus, the addition of form elements, and changing of page structure - based on how you interact with a page, without having to submit data the old fashioned way, and wait for the page to reload.

Is Web 2.0 for everyone? Well frankly speaking: “Not Really.” Everyone can benefit from the power and efficiency of the technology. Everyone may find a real fondness for the integration into web sites they already frequent. However, taking the technology and implementing it on their own website may not be required or warranted. Many sites out there just don’t have the kind of site that would make the effort worthwhile. For example, a flat site with no databases or specific client or visitor usage data may be a site that would fail to have a need for such a thing.

Using the new conglomerate of scripting and DHTML standard within a website really should be considered when engineering the site to begin with. The insertion of new data into the already loaded web page requires specific elements, or methods of finding elements that would prevent you from simply adding carte blanche scripts to any old page. Understanding and implementing AJAX or Web 2.0 may take a short time to learn and understand its implementation - however you will find it has some serious potential in making your highly interactive and user-centric web site more visitor friendly.

However, with any new fad and technology craze, you should always consider your recurring site visitors before implementing any new change to your web site. The risk of scaring off a loyal subscriber base is not worth trying some fancy new tricks, unless you are considering redesigning or revamping your entire site, including user interface. Web 2.0 and AJAX are cool and powerful, but not for everyone.