Once the most widely used web browser, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) has breathed its last on June 15, 2022. The browser made its debut in 1995 and soon after, it seized the top spot by beating its competitor Netscape Navigator. Over its life span of 27 years, the browser had a love-hate relationship with its users. And now, when Microsoft discontinued IE, it is ready to join the techno-giants of the past like Black-Berry phones, dial-up modems, and Palm Pilots in the trash box.
However, it was not a sudden decision to discontinue IE. It was last year only when Microsoft made it clear that Internet Explorer would be obsolete soon, as it wanted to push its more advanced browser Edge, which was launched in 2015. In a blog published on May 2021, Microsoft Edge Enterprises’ general manager Sean Lyndersay stated, “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”.
The Flourishing Years
In the antediluvian era of web surfing, when it was a monopoly market for Netscape Navigator, Microsoft introduced Internet Explorer Version 1. However, it was not only the technology that helped IE get the market share so quickly, there was another reason for it. Microsoft went on to tie IE with its omnipresent Windows operating system and as a result, people started using IE as default without actually realizing that they could also use Navigator. This went well for around 2 years, but in 1997, the Justice Department sued Microsoft for forcefully making the computer makers install IE in order to use their Windows operating system. This court battle had continued for a few years and finally, in 2002 the court case was settled. However, instead of all these, IE continued to flourish in the web browsing market and saw its peak in 2002-2003 when it claimed to have over 95% market share.
The Downfall
It was going all good till 2003. But this legendary browser started to lose its market share with the introduction of more powerful and technologically advanced browsers like Firefox in 2004 and Google Chrome in 2008. But it was not only the better browsers’ appearance in the market that caused this downfall. Users started complaining about the IE as it was slow, often got hanged, and was prone to cyber-attacks and hacks. Another reason for IE’s losing the market grip is the introduction of Android and iOS phones. People started using mobile phones for browsing as it was handy. However, IE was not compatible with mobile phones and thus it started fading off from people’s choices and memory as well.
Microsoft introduced Internet Explorer 11 on October 17, 2013 and it was the last update of IE. Once a market leader, IE retired with just 0.38% of user share on June 15, 2022.
The Adieu – A Mix of Nostalgia & Plenty of Jokes
For the 90s kids, Internet Explorer is their gateway to the world of internet browsing. And at the time of its retirement, the entire internet along with Twitter and other social sites was flooded with varied reactions, jokes, and memes. Along with netizens, the popular brands like Swiggy, Zomato, Federal Bank, Fevicol, Voot and a host of others didn’t let this moment marketing get missed.
Good or bad, Internet Explorer’s journey of 27 years was a remarkable one and we cannot negate its contributions towards making us aware of the world of the internet. It left behind a legacy for all its successors and also a lesson that one needs to upgrade themselves with time or they are destined to get vanished.
