ActiveX

ActiveX is a software framework and set of technologies developed by Microsoft, primarily used to enable interactive content on web pages and to build reusable software components for Windows applications. It is based on the Component Object Model (COM) and allows different programs and…

Key facts

First appeared
1996
Category
technology
Problem solved
ActiveX was created to allow developers to build reusable software components that could be embedded within desktop applications and, crucially, within web pages, providing rich, interactive experiences beyond static HTML. It aimed to bring the power and capabilities of desktop applications to the web browser, simplifying interoperability between different programming languages and applications on Windows.
Platforms
Microsoft Windows

Related technologies

Notable users

  • Industrial control systems (SCADA, HMI)
  • Microsoft (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office)
  • Various enterprise software vendors (for internal applications and specific industry solutions)