What is XMLSocket ?
XMLSocket is a JavaScript class that would replace magic Flash MX or greater XMLSocket class.
Why XMLSocket ?
Ajax doesn't support socket connection and many ajax based applications (chat, im or others) requires a refresh every N seconds. This "delayed" way to interact requires a dedicated control too to verify if users are connected or not. Every message, sent or recieved, will be displayed every N seconds, but is really necessary this reload interval ? Not if you have a socket, where there's no delay or refresh and where every message is sent in real-time to each user. With a socket you have every time the real status of connections and a system based on socket doesn't require a database, all messages are managed by the socket and not by a generic db engine. However, for advanced applications, you can choose to storage all informations in any kind of datadase. Then socket is one of the best ways to develop real-time multiple users interaction applications.