Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) has been a staple of the web browsing world for many years, but its popularity has been waning in recent times. With the rise of more modern and feature-rich browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, many developers and organizations are left wondering whether they should still support IE 11. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of supporting IE 11 and help you make an informed decision.
The History of Internet Explorer 11
IE 11 was first released in 2013 as part of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. At the time, it was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards. However, since its release, the web has evolved significantly, and newer browsers have introduced many features and technologies that IE 11 lacks.
Why Support IE 11?
Despite its age, there are still some valid reasons to support IE 11:
- Legacy Systems: Many organizations still use legacy systems that rely on IE 11, and upgrading to a newer browser may not be feasible or cost-effective.
- Enterprise Environments: Some enterprises may have specific requirements or restrictions that necessitate the use of IE 11.
- Accessibility: IE 11 may be the only browser that supports certain assistive technologies or accessibility features that are essential for users with disabilities.
The Drawbacks of Supporting IE 11
However, there are also several drawbacks to supporting IE 11:
- Security Risks: IE 11 is no longer receiving security updates or patches, which makes it vulnerable to security exploits and attacks.
- Performance Issues: IE 11 is not optimized for modern web applications and can result in slow performance, crashes, and freezes.
- Limited Compatibility: IE 11 lacks support for modern web standards, which can result in compatibility issues with newer web applications and websites.
- Development Challenges: Supporting IE 11 can be a challenge for developers, as it requires additional testing, debugging, and maintenance.
The Cost of Supporting IE 11
Supporting IE 11 can come with significant costs, including:
- Development Time: Developers need to spend additional time testing, debugging, and maintaining IE 11-specific code, which can divert resources away from more important tasks.
- Testing and Quality Assurance: Testing and quality assurance processes need to be adapted to accommodate IE 11, which can add to the overall testing time and cost.
- Compatibility Issues: Compatibility issues with IE 11 can result in additional support requests, which can increase the workload of support teams.
Alternatives to IE 11
If you’re considering dropping support for IE 11, there are several alternatives you can consider:
- Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge is a modern browser that offers improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards.
- Google Chrome: Google Chrome is a popular browser that offers a wide range of features, extensions, and integrations with other Google services.
- Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla Firefox is a feature-rich browser that offers improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web standards.
When to Drop Support for IE 11
So, when should you drop support for IE 11? Here are some scenarios to consider:
- Low Usage: If your analytics show that less than 1% of your users are using IE 11, it may be safe to drop support.
- Legacy System Upgrades: If you’re upgrading your legacy systems to newer versions that support modern browsers, you may be able to drop support for IE 11.
- Security Concerns: If you’re concerned about the security risks associated with IE 11, you may want to consider dropping support.
How to Drop Support for IE 11
If you’ve decided to drop support for IE 11, here are some steps you can take:
- Notify Users: Notify your users that you’ll be dropping support for IE 11 and provide them with alternative browser options.
- Update Your Website: Update your website to display a warning message or a redirect to a modern browser for users who access your site using IE 11.
- Test and Validate: Test and validate your website and web applications to ensure they work correctly in modern browsers.
Conclusion
Supporting IE 11 can be a challenge, and the costs and drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. If you’re considering dropping support for IE 11, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider alternative browser options. By understanding the implications of supporting IE 11 and taking a strategic approach to dropping support, you can ensure a smooth transition to modern browsers and improve the overall user experience.
| Browser | Release Date | Security Updates | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Explorer 11 | 2013 | No | Limited |
| Microsoft Edge | 2015 | Yes | Good |
| Google Chrome | 2008 | Yes | Excellent |
| Mozilla Firefox | 2004 | Yes | Excellent |
By considering the information in this article, you can make an informed decision about whether to support IE 11 and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to modern browsers.
What is Internet Explorer 11 and why is it still relevant?
Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) is a web browser developed by Microsoft, released in 2013. Although it is an outdated browser, it still holds relevance due to its widespread use in enterprise environments and legacy systems. Many organizations have invested heavily in developing applications that are compatible with IE 11, making it a necessary tool for their operations.
Despite its age, IE 11 remains a part of the Windows operating system, and many users continue to rely on it for various tasks. However, its relevance is dwindling as modern web technologies and browsers have surpassed it in terms of performance, security, and compatibility. As a result, developers and organizations are faced with the decision of whether to continue supporting IE 11 or to migrate to more modern browsers.
What are the pros of supporting IE 11?
One of the primary advantages of supporting IE 11 is its compatibility with legacy systems and applications. Many organizations have invested significant resources in developing applications that are tailored to work with IE 11, and abandoning support for the browser could render these applications unusable. Additionally, some industries, such as finance and healthcare, may require the use of IE 11 for regulatory or compliance reasons.
Supporting IE 11 also allows organizations to maintain a consistent user experience across different systems and applications. By continuing to support the browser, organizations can ensure that their users can access the applications and tools they need without having to switch to a different browser. This can improve productivity and reduce the need for user training.
What are the cons of supporting IE 11?
One of the significant drawbacks of supporting IE 11 is its lack of security features and vulnerability to cyber threats. As an outdated browser, IE 11 no longer receives regular security updates, making it a prime target for hackers and malware. This can put organizations at risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Another con of supporting IE 11 is its limited compatibility with modern web technologies. The browser’s outdated rendering engine and lack of support for modern web standards can result in poor performance, broken layouts, and limited functionality. This can lead to a poor user experience and make it difficult for organizations to take advantage of modern web technologies.
How does supporting IE 11 impact web development?
Supporting IE 11 can significantly impact web development, as developers must ensure that their applications and websites are compatible with the browser’s outdated rendering engine and limited feature set. This can add complexity and time to the development process, as developers must use workarounds and polyfills to ensure compatibility.
Additionally, supporting IE 11 can limit the use of modern web technologies and features, such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Developers may need to avoid using these features or implement fallbacks to ensure compatibility with IE 11, which can limit the functionality and user experience of their applications.
What are the alternatives to IE 11?
There are several alternatives to IE 11, including modern web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. These browsers offer improved performance, security, and compatibility with modern web technologies. They also provide a better user experience, with features such as tabbed browsing, extensions, and improved rendering engines.
Organizations can also consider using browser emulation tools or virtualization software to run IE 11 in a sandboxed environment. This can provide a secure and isolated environment for running legacy applications that require IE 11, while allowing users to access modern browsers for other tasks.
How can organizations migrate away from IE 11?
Organizations can migrate away from IE 11 by developing a phased migration plan that involves assessing their application portfolio, identifying dependencies on IE 11, and prioritizing applications for migration. They can also use tools such as browser emulation and virtualization software to provide a temporary solution for legacy applications.
Additionally, organizations can provide user training and support to help users transition to modern browsers. They can also develop a communication plan to inform users of the migration and provide resources to help them adapt to the change. By taking a structured approach, organizations can minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition away from IE 11.
What is the future of IE 11 support?
Microsoft has announced that it will end support for IE 11 in 2025, which means that the browser will no longer receive security updates or technical support. This means that organizations must plan to migrate away from IE 11 before this date to avoid security risks and ensure continued support for their applications.
As the end-of-life date approaches, organizations should prioritize their migration efforts and develop a plan to transition to modern browsers. They can also take advantage of Microsoft’s support resources and tools to help them migrate away from IE 11 and ensure a smooth transition to modern browsers.