Sunday February 12th, 2006.
Posted by Jason Lashua

Internet Explorer 7 born out of fear?

That's what *I* think at least..

Let's weigh the options here, back in the old days, there were two competitors fighting for the crown of the web. Netscape and Microsoft.

Microsoft got smart and bundled IE with operating systems, and fully-integrated the browser with the file manager in Windows 98.. Remember the holy hell that came from that wonderful feature..

I remember. It certainly sealed netscape's fate. Why go out of your way to download browser b, when you have browser A already. Some of the speculation is that Microsoft doesn't have to fight browser wars anymore, they already own the market.

I disagree.

Web developers have taken to standards like never before. CSS was published in the late 90's, yet it took 4 years for MS to make a browser fairly compatible, but why bother when you own the market? Everyone focuses on your browser when designing websites... or do they?

Professional web developers have been focusing much more on standards compliance than ever, and if Microsoft doesnt jump on the bandwagon, I wager they could face an all-out revolt.

I'd be the first.

Your website doesnt look right on Aunt Sue's computer? Well Aunt Sue needs to upgrade her browser software!

"But why?"

"Because, MS didnt fix IE 7 like we all hoped, and nobody supports it anymore. It's non-compliant with web standards.. in a nutshell, it's wrong."

"Oh. Ok."

There you go. More market share lost.

I for one am glad to see them making an effort though, however, from the latest results, they still have milestones to accomplish.. Let's hope they don't take as long as the mozilla project did originally... ®
Edited on Monday February 20th, 2006. by jlashua.

( TRACK ) ( COMMENTARY ) - 2 comments.