Features include: 1) dirtyFlag (for change tracking) 2) activity indicator (ideal for commands) 3) command (with execute, canExecute, and activity features) ### asyncCommand <button data-bind="command: loadCmd">Save</button> saveCmd = ko.asyncCommand({ execute: function(complete) { ... } }) ### asyncCommand and Activity <button data-bind="activity: saveCmd.isExecuting, command: saveCmd">Save</button> saveCmd = ko.asyncCommand({ execute: function(complete) { ... }, canExecute: function(isExecuting) { return !isExecuting && self.isDirty() } }) ### dirtyFlag // Your model var Person = function () { var self = this; self.id = ko.observable(); self.firstName = ko.observable().extend({ required: true }); self.lastName = ko.observable().extend({ required: true }); self.dirtyFlag = new ko.DirtyFlag([self.firstName,self.lastName]); return self; }; Hook these into your viewmodel ... //Did It Change? viewModel.dirtyFlag().isDirty(); //Resync Changes viewModel.dirtyFlag().reset();