Why You Need to Upgrade from IE6
(besides making your web developer's day)
The next time you're talking to your web designer or programmer, ask them about Internet Explorer 6 and see how they respond - it will likely involve a reflex sneer and a litany of complaints. From security breaches to visual and functional limitations, the pioneer browser has simply not kept up with the pace of progress.
IE6 Crushes Dreams of Creativity
IE6, as it is commonly known, limits how innovative, dynamic and beautiful websites can be since it is unable to support or display most newer technologies. Noting that it is no longer supported by huge web presences such as Google, Facebook or YouTube, Treefrog's Lead Developer Jono Guthrie sums up the limitations.
To be cutting edge in both build and design, the IE6 limitation constrains us. Painfully so. Pretty much pulls a Tonya Harding.
Death of a Browser
IE6 was first introduced in August 2001. That's some serious geriatric status since web years move exponentially faster than dog years. In fact, many have encouraged a merciful and long-overdue death for the nine-year-old browsing pioneer, including Microsoft themselves, with some going so far as to host a funeral. The caustic eulogies continue to pour in.
The Mysteries of IE6 Longevity
Many users "choose" Internet Explorer simply because it is the browser that came installed on their PC or laptop and they aren't aware that there are other options.
Beyond this, many organizations cling to this relic of the web, despite the fact that Microsoft itself recommends upgrading (not surprising since they are now on the verge of launching IE9). With years of arguments piling up in favour of a change, why so much loyalty to this old-timer?
One explanation is that some existing processes are tied into IE6, so that upgrading the browser would mean upgrading entire internal systems. Treefrog developer Eric Knibbe explains:
The majority of users still browsing with IE6 don't have a choice. Huge swaths of government or mega-corp workstations, used solely for accessing some web app written ten years ago, still haven't been upgraded and probably never will until the motherboards rust out.
IE6: The Slow and Painful Decline
Usage for IE6 peaked in late 2003 at 71.2% of Internet users. Combined with usage statistics of both older and newer versions of Internet Explorer, Microsoft has owned the browser wars so far. But in early May 2010, for the first time in years, Internet Explorer usage for all versions together dropped below 60%, with IE6 claiming only 7.9% of the total market. By June 1st, IE6 usage had dropped below 5% in both the US and Europe.
Alternatives Becoming the Mainstream
Beyond simply upgrading to newer versions of IE, there are other viable and growing choices for your browsing convenience. Known for its speed and security advantages, Firefox is pushing towards 50% of user preference, currently at 46.4%. Other options include the Google-developed Chrome and Mac-based Safari.
Check out the choices, mourn the passing of a browsing fossil if you must, and move forward into a bright future. You'll make your web developer's day when you set them free to build you an incredible site.
Posted 1 May 2010, 3:40PM
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