Goodbye Internet Explorer 6?

There has been a lot of debate recently about whether or not web developers should actively stop developing websites to display to standards compliance in the Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) browser.

Web searches made on 'IE6' or 'Internet Explorer 6' return various websites running petitions on the topic, pleading their case as to why people should turn a cold shoulder to Internet Explorer 6 why it should no longer be used.

Arguements for saying goodbye to Internet Explorer 6 range from;

• Internet Explorer 6 is not compliant with W3C web standards,
• Internet Explorer 6 is not compliant with transparency in PNG image files,
• Internet Explorer 6 is extremely unsecure and therefore vulnerable to malicious attacks,
• Internet Explorer 6 is not compliant to advanced features that make the Internet dynamic and interactive.
  
  and the show stopper...
  
  
• Web developers require additional time writing 'hacks' into their websites to overcome such problems (above), ensuring that websites viewed in IE6 are cross-browser compliant.

It is suffice to say that the Internet Explorer 6 browser has become a deadweight and is holding back the progress and the evolution of the Internet.

In January of 2005, almost 65% of people using the Internet were using Internet Explorer 6; so supporting IE6, and all of it's flaws, was justifiable. Now, just 4 years later, only 15% of users are viewing the Web in IE6; and this small remainder seems to be enough (for some) to set the dogs onto IE6.

The call is spreading like wildfire, but are we overlooking the bigger picture?

Your website is more than just a source of information about yourself and your business, it is an extention of yourself and your business. Viewers associate your website, and the experience they have using your website, with you.

Does it matter that a portion of your audience will have a different view of your website? Does it matter that a portion of your audience will have a different experience using your website? And in this case, it will more than likely be a negative one.

Many businesses, as well as City Councils and Government bodies are on networks that don't allow their staff to upgrade their current browser or install another web browser. Their only option is to use Internet Explorer 6, and until such operating system are upgraded this will always be the case.

The older demographic are also more likely to continue using Internet Explorer 6, simply because it works for them and they are less likely to move from something which they trust. Installing a new browser, and then sitting to learn how to use it can be a daunting experience, so sticking with a tried and true method can be the better option.

So the choice to support Internet Explorer 6 should not just come down to the flashy features you can or can't use, or that additional time is required in development; your choice should also come down to how your target audience will be viewing your website, and how important your business image is to you.

It would be a poor decision to move your business to the 23rd floor when a lot of your customers have a fear of heights. Sure, the view will be great, but look at the customers you will lose? Do you think they are going to work on overcoming their fear to get to you, or will they go and find another store at ground level?

Just as it would be a poor decision to overlook supporting Internet Explorer 6. We can't force people to upgrade or change their web browser. If they're happy with IE6, then that is their choice, and we must work with it. If our website appears to be broken to a user, then that user will just go and find another website that isn't broken.

Until there is no longer a single person using IE6, you should continue to ensure that everyone viewing your website has a positive experience that encourages them to return again.

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