"There's definitely limitations that we have in JavaScript," such as issues with extensibility, maintainability and enforcement, the audience member said.

Gross responded that an upgraded version of JavaScript, known as Version 2.0, has been released but not implemented. "There is a JavaScript that has a lot of these things solved. Nobody's released it," Gross said.

Asked afterward why no one is offering the JavaScript upgrade, Gross responded, "I don't know. It's a good question."

Microsoft has been more proactive with the upgraded JavaScript than other companies, Gross said.

Another audience member said his company was building an SOA, with a big push to use AJAX. But there are concerns about security, he said.