Can we use ajax to obtain interim data

Can we use ajax to obtain interim data?

Say I have this page on an IIS server (or any similar server). There is a loop where in it sends some response with each iteration. I need to capture that information and display it on my web page which is ajax-handled. The thing here is that the process at the server is still running and simultaneously sending out information. Can I trap that information using ajax?

Other Answers:

No. The connection on the server needs to be free (closed) in order to send data to the client. You should perhaps look into re-developing the system, so it pauses at certain intervals or milestones to update the progress for the client.