Internet Explorer is set to settle into the technology graveyard.
The Microsoft browser was first released in 1995 during an era of dial-up modems and well before the launch of smartphones and iPads.
It was offered with the technology company’s Windows operating system that came pre-installed in millions of computers.
In the early 1990s, its market share was at more than 90 per cent but faster rivals such as Google Chrome and Firefox moved in and gradually took over.
In May, Chrome accounted for 65 per cent of the market compared to Safari's 19 per cent and Mozilla Firefox's 3.26 per cent, according to data from Statcounter.
Meanwhile, Internet Explorer accounted for only 0.64 per cent, the same percentage as in 2021.
Microsoft confirmed last year that Internet Explorer 11 — the latest version — “will be retired and go out of support on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10".
Microsoft deems the future to be tied to its Edge browser, which was launched in 2015.
“Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Sean Lyndersay, general manager of Microsoft Edge Enterprise, said in a blog post.
“Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode [“IE mode”] built in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge.”
However, ending the Internet Explorer application could cause problems for businesses in Japan, according to a Bloomberg report.
A survey in March found that 49 per cent of companies in Japan still use Internet Explorer. Among them, the most common use was for in-house management, data exchange and accounting systems.
All of those should have been updated or transitioned to different software in the time since Microsoft announced the retirement plans for Internet Explorer a year ago, but according to local media reports, many companies have failed to take action so far.
_____________________________
Inside Google's new self-developed Bay View campus
-
A bicycle path along Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
Workstations in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Sitting area at Google's Campfire Corner in Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
Sitting area at Google's Campfire Corner in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Interior view in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Interior view of Google's Campfire Corner in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Interior view in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
An exterior view of building BV200 and Google shared bicycles during a tour of Google's new Bay View Campus. Reuters -
A seating area in Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Google announced the opening of its new Bay View campus in Silicon Valley, representing the company's first time developing its own major campus. EPA -
Art work in Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
An Office directory in Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
Interior and ceiling view of BV200, Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
The Google bicycle Pedal Park inside Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
Binary code and art work on the window of Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
The side of Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
An outdoor weight room in front of Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
Binary code on the window of Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
The Google logo in front of Google's Bay View Building. EPA -
An interior view of BV200, Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
An Interior view of BV200, Google's new Bay View campus building. EPA -
A Google Android bot in the lobby of BV100, Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
The Bay View campus was designed by architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Heatherwick Studio, as well as Google's design and engineering teams and spans 42 acres adjacent to the open space, two office buildings, and 1,000-person event centre. EPA -
A coffee table made out of a wood stump in the sitting area at BV200, Google's new Bay View campus. EPA -
Google employees in the cafeteria area in Mountain View, California. EPA -
A Google employee in the cafeteria area in Mountain View, California. EPA -
A worker inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
A seating area inside Google's new Bay View campus. Bloomberg -
Inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
Workers inside Google's new Bay View campus. Bloomberg -
A mural inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
Inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
Workers in one of the many dining areas inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
Inside Google's new Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. Bloomberg -
Desks inside Google's new Bay View campus. Bloomberg -
One of nine pieces of art created by Bay Area artists for the campus. Reuters
