Internet Explorer 7 is coming this summer - Can your website take the heat?

Internet Explorer version 7 is releasing soon and it could cause a complete meltdown of your website.

Approximately 65% of Internet users worldwide use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.  They are scheduled to release a new version in the second half of 2006.  This new version is described as a major step forward in security and privacy protection.

Web developers are familiar with current Internet Explorer limitations, lacking in some development tools that other browsers have already embraced.  This new release promises support for CSS (cascading style sheets), a rich RSS feeds platform and PNG graphic file compatibility.

Although the release will be a positive step forward for the popular browser, it is likely to wreak havoc with some existing websites.  Website developers have written hacks in website code specifically for IE to overcome some of its deficiencies.  When the new release attempts to run this code, the website will not react predictably.

Microsoft has already released beta versions for testing.  Wild Web Works has been running existing websites on the beta version to watch for compatibility issues.  There have been many problems with most of the sites tested.

In order to insure that your website works as intended in version 7, we suggest that you thoroughly test your website before the update is released to the public.  The update will download automatically with the Windows Update procedure and users will generally be unaware that the change has even taken place, until they use their browser.

Your site should be updated to run correctly both in the most popular browsers and Internet Explorer 7.  Wild Web Works can run an Internet Explorer 7 beta release test on your site for you for a small fee.  If the site comes back clean, you know you’re ready for the release.  If not, we will inform you of the non-compliant issues.  At that point you can choose to go it on your own, or use Wild Web Works or another professional website design company to perform any necessary changes. 

Computer users are expected to embrace the new features and functionality of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7.  Will your website glow in the light of this new version or spontaneously combust?

This article was written by Wild Web Works Inc.  All rights reserved.