Internet Explorer v6 is the bane of any web developer’s life. You can build a web page, and it’ll look beautiful in every other browser – but then you look at it in IE6, and it’s a mess. Without getting too technical, IE6 interprets the web’s CSS design code in ways which are irrational, unexpected, illogical and sometimes just plain wrong. If it could simply be wiped off the face of the internet, the web developer’s job would be much easier – and frankly, projects would be cheaper, and prettier too.
Microsoft has never made a secret of its desire to move people to more recent versions; but now, with IE6 approaching its tenth birthday – although strictly its birthday isn’t until late August – and IE9’s release imminent, they’ve started a proactive campaign to shame people into upgrading. IE6Countdown.com displays a map showing percentage market share for IE6 worldwide; and invites you to join its campaign ‘to get Internet Explorer 6 to 1%.’ In all likelihood, Microsoft is seeing this as an opportunity to sell upgrades to Windows 7 – but that doesn’t undermine the validity of the message.
I know some of the straggling government departments have finally upgraded in recent months; so, it’s over to you, gang. Which departments are still on IE6… despite Microsoft’s own advice, and indeed, the advice of government’s own IT security campaign?
Responses
HMRC are still on IE6, and will be for the foreseeable future. Thank you legacy apps!
DWP introduced FF3 a couple of weeks back. IE6 remains for some internal legacy apps.
In my experience the longevity of Windows XP is more to blame than legacy applications.
In my organisation (large NHS Trust), and a couple of other local public sector environments that I’ve had links with, a fresh version of Windows XP is installed onto any new PC/Laptop which enters the ecosystem.
This STILL happens now, even with the advent of Vista (less said the better) and the recent push for Windows 7.
With IE6 being the built-in browser of WinXP it has managed to linger around for longer than it should as most enterprise IT departments put strict controls on upgrades and admin rights the standard user cannot upgrade it or remove it.
The same can be said for Office 2003 which as far as I have seen is still the de-facto version in most large enterprise environments.
We can blame ‘lazy software developers’ till blue in the face but I’m certain they would upgrade their applications to work with ‘modern’ browsers if they were asked but I honestly do not think anyone is asking. The people who hold the purse strings just see a system which is working fine and to hell with the moans and groans of IT/designers/developers/tech-savvy-users.
In the eyes of many higher ups the Windows XP + IE6 + Office 2003 system ticks all the boxes because it ‘works’ and is very cost effective.
I’m really glad that Microsoft has finally taken some action after years of ignorance but I’m not sure it will have as much impact as it should.
DH’s Dynamic Desktop is IE6 only right now
Im glad that Microsoft are pushing for people to stop using it. Its lack of support for modern scripting and web technologies make it a real pain to cater for! Lets hope this drive works!