Internet Explorer 7
Tuesday / 15 February 05
The word is out. Microsoft today announced they are planning on releasing a beta of Internet Explorer 7 this summer. Finally! Right? Is it time to cheer? Is Microsoft going to take their responsibility and improve support for standards and technologies in their upcoming browser?
I am sceptic. Very sceptic. Why? For the past year there is a clear shift to improving security in Microsoft’s development and marketing — see Microsoft AntiSpyware and the recent agreement to acquire anti-virus company Sybari Software. With the continious phishing, virus and spyware threats I have no reason to believe Microsoft will not use ‘improved security’ as their primary feature in Internet Explorer 7 (or any upcoming products for that matter).
It would be excellent if we’re going to see proper CSS1, CSS2, PNG support and perhaps some convenient features competitors do have. I highly doubt we’re going to see the much needed improvement we would love to see, but think of something. Even if Microsoft does deliver a standards-compliant browser with backwards-compatibility — they would render MSIE6 as a second NN4 immediately due to the significant differences —, we are still going to need to deal with MSIE6 for at least another six years.
Six? Yes, six, at least.
They say time will tell. I say, we’re not going to wait for it.
1Scott (scoota269) posted:
16 February 05, 01:41:03 AM
Sadly, I have to agree with you there. Microsoft hasn't really done anything in the past to show they care about standards and compliance, and haven't shown any indication that they're planning to do so.
The problem remains: it is the ignorance of the average computer user that allows them to get away with it. Provide it with the browser, make it work to a degree and offer no alternative, and those who don't know better will swallow it; hook, line and sinker.