While surfing the 'net I can across this little article:
quote:
Microsoft announced Friday that it would no longer release future versions of Internet Explorer for the Mac. The news comes in the shadow of Microsoft's previous announcement that it would no longer release stand-alone versions of Internet Explorer (see our previous coverage). Microsoft has recommended that Mac users can instead rely on other browsers for the Mac, such as Safari, Apple's new Internet browser for the Mac. Since Apple also produces the operating system for Mac users, Microsoft believes that users would better be served through Apple's browser.
Though Microsoft will no longer release newer versions of Internet Explorer for the Mac, it will continue to support the latest version with security and performance updates. One such release will be available on Monday.
Microsoft had originally agreed to produce Internet Explorer for the Mac as part of a 5-year agreement with Apple that included Microsoft Office. Since the 5-year deal ended, Microsoft is no longer obligated to produce Mac versions of Internet Explorer.
Read more about this topic at CNET and MacCentral.
I think this is the latest move in Microsoft's attempt to limit Internet Explorer to new versions of the Windows operating system. This can be taken two ways. One way is that Microsoft is taking away software and making users buy an updated operating system to receive a newer version of software which was originally free. You could also say that by limiting access to free versions of Internet Explorer Microsoft is in turn creating an opening for Netscape, which will continue to be made available for free.
Considering that Microsoft and AOL have just reached a new agreement to collaborate, the removal of stand-alone versions of Internet Explorer may also be an act of appeasement toward AOL. Honestly, AOL and Microsoft working together will be a true powerhouse in the technology sector. For this reason I don't think Microsoft is really losing a lot in removing Internet Explorer. Since Microsoft is a major investor in Apple it's not exactly losing anything in making the Apple browser more popular either.
Their first taste of competition, and it sends them running. :rolleyes:
Any Thoughts?
