So, in what is probably not a terribly surprising move, Microsoft announced today that it plans to roll out a beta version of Internet Explorer 7 by the summer, after proclaiming for years that there would be no new version of IE independent of their planned release for their Longhorn OS. IE 7 will be released for Windows XP SP 2 users, and they may consider releasing a version for Windows 2000 as well.
This is all happening, of course, in the wake of the security concerns that have recently been exposed in both Microsoft Windows and IE. Security is the new driving point at Microsoft. The new IE 7 will supposedly also come with anti-spyware and malware preventive features. No doubt, the rise of the popularity of the Firefox browser – which is being touted as the secure alternative on Windows – is also making Microsoft realize it can’t sit back any longer. So, in a way, the existence of Firefox has done it’s job – it’s forcing Microsoft to do something about their outdated browser. The only problem is, all the talk is about security. There is very little being said for improved web standards in IE.
Let me get something straight with everyone: I have never been against IE simply because it was a Microsoft product or because it was insecure. I’ve disliked it because it has stifled web innovation in the past several years with its refusal to change and locking its 95% share into a stagnant technology, and has made it difficult for web designers to create clean, accessible sites that work largely across platforms and browsers. There is little doubt in my mind that they may have intended that. However, partly because of Firefox and IE’s own follies, Microsoft hands have been forced. The result is that there is now a shred of hope and a window of opportunity.
Now that we know there will be an update to IE, us web designers need to work hard to influence Microsoft into making improved CSS support, PNG support, and correct their rendering engine bugs as part of their update. This will still be, as it always has been, an uphill battle. Microsoft will mostly be concerned with doing what it takes to give their users warm and fuzzies. They claim that will be listening for feedback during the beta cycles. We should take advantage.
