Written to guide the transition from ASP.NET to ASP.NET AJAX using Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) technologies, this reference demonstrates how to develop software with the service-oriented AJAX pattern, using the Microsoft 3.5 .NET Framework and Microsoft enterprise servers. Part I introduces the AJAX architecture pattern and the WCF as the technology for Web services. Part II focuses on programming client-side, service-oriented AJAX applications using the Microsoft AJAX Library. Part III explains how to implement object-oriented JavaScript control libraries and applications with the Microsoft AJAX Library while using service-oriented Web service frameworks. The book is written with some C#, but primarily JavaScript, and is intended for intermediate to advanced Web developers using Microsoft technologies. Although some basic knowledge of C#, ASP.NET, and the .NET Framework is required, knowledge of WCF is not required. Code is available on a companion web site. Larson is a software architect specializing in social applications that incorporate AJAX. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)