Microsoft ActiveX TM is a set of technologies from Microsoft that enables interactive content for the World Wide Web. Open, cross-platform support on Macintosh, Windows and UNIX operating systems.
Developers can use what they know and be productive immediately.
Existing inventory of ActiveX controls available today for immediate use by Web producers. ActiveX includes both client and server technologies. ActiveX controls are the interactive objects in a Web page that provide interactive and user-controllable functions and hence enliven the experience of a Web site. ActiveX document support enables users to view non-HTML documents, such as Microsoft Excel or Word files, through a Web browser. Java Applets from the browser or server.