Integrating Sites and Services

This section contains overviews and tutorials on Web Site and Service Integration.

AJAX

About Native XMLHTTP

This topic describes the native implementation of Extensible Markup Language / Hypertext Transfer Protocol (XMLHTTP) in Windows Internet Explorer 7 and later.

Connectivity Enhancements in Internet Explorer 8

Internet Explorer 8 contains several important connectivity enhancements that can improve both the performance and functionality of Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) and other Web applications. These enhancements include an increase in the maximum number of concurrent connections from a single host, and the addition of connectivity events.

Introducing AJAX Navigations

Internet Explorer 8 introduces AJAX Navigations. These features are designed to help alleviate the frustration of end users with AJAX-enabled Web sites that are not navigable through the Back and Forward buttons, and that do not update the browsing history. With just a few simple lines of script, you can add AJAX Navigations to your Web site, making the navigation of your AJAX-enabled content as smooth and seamless as "traditional" navigation.

Introducing Cross-domain Request

With Cross-domain Request ("XDR") in Internet Explorer 8, developers can create cross-site data aggregation scenarios. Similar to the XMLHttpRequest object but with a simpler programming model, this request, called XDomainRequest, is the easiest way to make anonymous requests to third-party sites that support XDR and opt in to making their data available across domains.

XMLHttpRequest Enhancements in Internet Explorer 8

Internet Explorer 8 enables finer control over AJAX requests. Specifically, developers now have the ability to specify a timeout for the XMLHttpRequest object, which, in combination with the increased number of concurrent connections enabled in Internet Explorer 8, can prevent delays in AJAX applications. An event handler for timeouts has also been added.

Accelerators

Accelerator Icon Usage Guidelines

Guidelines for using the Accelerator icon in content.

OpenService Accelerators Developer Guide

In Internet Explorer 8, Accelerators are contextual menu options that can quickly access applications or Web services from any Web page. Users can install Accelerators from the Internet Explorer 8 Service Gallery or through any Web site that advertises them. Accelerators make it easier to copy information from one Web page to another. This article describes how to define and deploy XML-based Accelerators.

OpenService Specification for Accelerators - Version 0.8

This document covers the minimum properties necessary to enable the publication and consumption of an Accelerator.

OpenSearch

Installing a Search Provider and Setting the Default

Internet Explorer 8 extends a rich searching experience by offering users the option to install multiple search providers. As a user installs search providers, each provider has a chance to set itself as the default provider. Internet Explorer 8 has a new mandatory Search Provider Default user experience that keeps the user in control of their preferred search provider.

Search Provider Extensibility in Internet Explorer

Starting with Internet Explorer 7, the Instant Search box provides an AutoComplete feature so users can search for similar search terms used in previous searches. Internet Explorer 7 also enables users to add multiple search providers. Search improvements in Internet Explorer 8 focus on helping users search by significantly improving the Instant Search box drop-down menu and supporting search suggestions.

XML Search Suggestions Format Specification

Internet Explorer 8 search suggestions are a service that search providers can support which allow the user to receive suggestions for a search query. XML suggestions from a search provider can support text suggestions or visual suggestions.