Microsoft Wants Internet Explorer 6 Gone for Good

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft wants its 10-year-old Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) browser gone for good.

The company reportedly launched a deathwatch today that included a website that shows declining usage and links where corporate IT departments can get advice on how to migrate to newer browsers like IE8 and impending IE9.

Although Microsoft reported statistics from web analytics firm Net Applications that shows IE6 holds onto a 12 percent global usage share, the company said it wants to reduce the aged browser’s share to under 1 percent.

IE6's stronghold is in business, where upgrading can be difficult because of custom Web applications or Intranets designed for the old browser.

In a Microsoft blog, Roger Capriotti, head of IE's marketing wrote, "We bring you the next step in our mission to see IE6 gone for good. To demonstrate our commitment to getting rid of IE6, we're launching a website."

The deathwatch website details Net Applications' usage share numbers for IE6 in 43 countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, Germany and Russia, as well as the browser's current global share.

China leads usage of IE6 at 34.5 percent, followed by South Korea at 24.8 percent, India at 12.3 percent and Taiwan at 10.7 percent. The U.S. accounts for just 2.9 percent.

Microsoft’s wish to kill IE6 is nothing new. A company executive reportedly said in 2009 that "Friends don't let friends use IE6."

Although Microsoft wants users to move to IE8 and IE9, it has not been able to stop users from abandoning its browser line completely and switching to rivals like Google's Chrome and Apple's Safari.

In the last year IE has reportedly lost 4.8 percentage points, dropping to a 56.8 percent share.

At the same time, Chrome has gained 5.3 points, while Safari has increased its share by 1.9 percentage points according to Net Applications.

At this pace IE6 should fall under 1 percent by June 2012.

Microsoft said it will support IE6 until April 2014.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More