Google has this week announced that their suite of Google Apps, including Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government, will be dropping support for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser.
Microsoft will be launching their new Internet Explorer 10 edition on October 26th, 2012, and as a result of this, Google will be discontinuing support for the ageing IE 8 browser.
Why Google is Dropping Support for IE8
Google explains: “Google Chrome (which automatically updates whenever it detects that a new version of the browser is available) as well as the current and prior major release of Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari on a rolling basis. Each time a new version of one of these browsers is released, we begin supporting the update and stop supporting the third-oldest version.”
The decision to drop support for IE8 aligns with Google’s policy of supporting only the latest and most secure versions of web browsers. This ensures that users have access to the latest features and security updates, which is crucial for both individual and enterprise users. By discontinuing support for older browsers like IE8, Google can focus its resources on optimizing its apps for modern browsers that offer better performance and security.
Impact on Users and Recommendations
After November 15th, 2012, users still accessing Google Apps via IE8 will see a new notification recommending that they upgrade their browser. Over time, features within Google Apps will start to not function properly on IE8. This gradual degradation of functionality is intended to encourage users to transition to more modern browsers.
For users who are still on IE8, Google recommends upgrading to a newer version of Internet Explorer, such as IE9 or the upcoming IE10, or switching to alternative browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Both of these browsers are known for their frequent updates and robust security features.
For businesses and educational institutions, this change may require coordination with IT departments to ensure that all systems are updated accordingly. The transition to a newer browser can also be an opportunity to review and enhance overall cybersecurity measures.
Benefits of Upgrading to Modern Browsers
Upgrading to a modern browser offers several benefits:
1. Enhanced Security: Modern browsers come with advanced security features that protect against phishing, malware, and other online threats. This is particularly important for businesses and educational institutions that handle sensitive information.
2. Improved Performance: Newer browsers are optimized for speed and efficiency, providing a smoother and faster user experience. This can significantly improve productivity, especially when using web-based applications like Google Apps.
3. Access to New Features: Modern browsers support the latest web technologies, allowing users to take full advantage of new features and improvements in web applications. This includes better support for HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, which are essential for modern web development.
4. Better Compatibility: Up-to-date browsers ensure better compatibility with a wide range of websites and web applications. This reduces the likelihood of encountering issues when accessing online services.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to drop support for IE8 is a move towards ensuring a more secure, efficient, and feature-rich experience for its users. While this may require some adjustments for those still using the older browser, the long-term benefits of upgrading to a modern browser far outweigh the temporary inconvenience. Users are encouraged to make the switch as soon as possible to continue enjoying the full functionality of Google Apps and other web services.
Source: Google
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