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A Bygone Browser: Updating the Archaic Internet Explorer 6 (IE6)

Internet Explorer 6 is nine years old—prehistoric in technology years. These days technology is constantly changing at a staggering rate—Apple releases new generations of iPods almost every year or two other software bundles are updated yearly with new features. Thus rendering year-old software and products—still young by human years—basically obsolete by the time users are just becoming comfortable with them.

Well, to some extent we understand your frustration. However, this article was written for those of you who are a bit too far behind the times and not yet convinced that it is time to upgrade, as an explanation to why the browser is obsolete.

Since IE6’s release in 2001, the web has evolved to encompass rich, interactive applications featuring video and voice, which IE6 lacks substantial support for.
IE6 was released in conjunction with Windows XP, almost a decade ago. It supports some non-standard features and functions that are not compatible with other browsers. Programmers and developers already encounter difficulties when developing and programming code for website design that must be compatible with 5 different browsers, with the additional task of handling all of IE6’s bugs.

The main issue with programming for IE6 is the amount of time wasted to accommodate its quirks. This can easily add 3-5 hours of programming specifically for IE6 to a standard web design job—which ultimately can lead to increased costs for clients. Due to this reason, Archer Communications has decided to stop supporting Internet Explorer 6. Ryan Fortin, IT Director at Archer Communications, provides another key reason is because, “the IE6 browser cannot support modern programming and web design techniques.”

It’s not just Archer; countless websites, articles, blog posts, etc. have already been created urging people to upgrade their web browser.
One such website, savethedevelopers.org, has even developed a code that developers can place on their websites, which shows a pop-down window (if not blocked) once an IE6 browser is detected, and prompts the viewer to update their browser.

RIPIE6.org is one of many sites dedicated to condemning the outdated browser. Its mission is to bring awareness “for all those old-fashioned people who don’t see the point of updating their software.” On the site, there is a downloadable “Obituary Note” (PDF file) with a farewell poem addressed to the deceased IE6, encouraging site viewers to pass along the obituary notice and make the web a better place for both developers and users.

Of course, social media has also seen its fair share of IE6 bashing with “IE Must Die” campaigns and bashing groups on Twitter and Facebook.

But it doesn’t just stop online, there have even been funerals held to lay IE6 to rest. Earlier this year, a design firm in Colorado placed a “body,” with the IE6 logo as its head, in the coffin to be buried with about 50 people present. Of course, this was all in good, clean fun, where funeral attendees shed only “crocodile tears.”

Noting all of the negative connotation associated with IE6, developers may find it frustrating to discover that even as of February 2010, IE6 was still used by 19.8% of the browser market. While its most recent descendent, IE8 (released March 2009) only held about 2% more, approximately 22.5% of the browser market.

Furthermore, Microsoft itself has even released statements stating that they have consistently “recommended that consumers upgrade to the latest version.” Concluding that client configuration is currently at risk when running Windows XP and IE6. This is in pertinence to the unpatched vulnerability and security holes of IE6. Yet, it still seems there has been a lag in getting rid of the archaic IE6.

Security Measures of IE6…FAIL.
IE6 is not only an obstacle to be overcome in web development, but it is the Achilles heel of an OS for hackers. Some may argue that IE6 was designed for a more “innocent” Internet, at just the start of the technological revolution. Now malware attacks and viruses hidden in downloaded files can wreck havoc on an OS without proper protection.

In January of 2010, shortly after a hacking attack on Google in late December—which they blamed on the inability of IE6—German and French security agencies released statements warning against continued use of IE6 due to the lack of security. This prompted Google to later state that it would discontinue support of IE6 on March 1. YouTube followed suite, discontinuing support on March 31.

Recommendation?
On a company level, it is understood that it takes a lot of planning, time, and resources for a broad deployment of new technologies, such as a browser or software upgrade. Ergo, updating from IE6 may not be a priority. But, not only will updating to IE8 ease the job of developers, it also enhances the ease of browsing. IE8 is also safer—NSS labs, an independent security product testing agency, released data which showed that IE8 had the best protection when attacked with socially engineered malware, versus competitor browsers Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Opera. In addition, Microsoft IE still holds 62% of the browser market, with Firefox coming in number 2.

“IE8 optimizes developer and end user experiences to provide a window to the web of online services.” – Microsoft

Thus when presented with test sites from Archer Communications, clients will be able to review the test site for their web page as it was designed to operate, without the bugs and mishaps that will occur from viewing a site using IE6.

Archer Communications can no longer justify the increased costs and time associated with IE6 support over the benefits. By forgoing testing our sites in IE6, Archer can keep prices competitive and reasonable for clients. Fortin maintains that Archer will still accommodate clients who have “a specific need for IE6 compatibility,” but it will be an additional cost. Without IE6, the time that would usually be allocated towards accommodating the outdated browser can be spent enhancing and creating the best websites for our clients.

Article by Paulina Lee Sources: CNN, PerthNow, ReadyMadeWeb, PC World

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