Ajax Enables

The Rich Internet Application (RIA)

The Ajax approach has radically changed the way web applications work and have greatly improved the user experience for web-based applications -- allowing for the creation of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) that to users "look and feel" just like desktop applications (e.g. Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word)

JavaScript Applications and Widgets

In addition, the Ajax approach has allowed sophisticated functionality to be easily incorporated into pages by website authors via JavaScript applications or "widgets" (e.g. Google Maps, Twitter feeds).