Windows 10 Browser Called Edge
When Microsoft released Windows 10 nearly four years ago, it included a new updated and modern browser called Edge. While Internet Explorer lived on due to some underlying code in Windows and for compatibility with legacy business websites, Microsoft no longer provides updates for Internet Explorer when new web standards are released.
That’s a problem for the insurance industry.
Way too many insurance companies and technology vendors require the use of Internet Explorer to make their websites and web platforms fully functional.
Microsoft has tried some different ways to push businesses to improve their older web apps but, unfortunately, IT administrators have naturally taken the easy route of continuing to rely on Internet Explorer and its various compatibility modes.
A recent article posted on the Microsoft Tech Community site authored by Chris Jackson highlights Microsoft’s concern about how business is continuing to rely upon Internet Explorer.
“Internet Explorer is a compatibility solution,” warns Jackson, rather than a browser that businesses should be using every day for all web browsing activity. “We’re not supporting new web standards for it and, while many sites work fine, developers by and large just aren’t testing for Internet Explorer these days. They’re testing on modern browsers.”
The Microsoft Edge browser has not been a great solution because it doesn’t deliver a compelling experience for consumers or businesses. It also was not available for older versions of Windows, including Windows 7. Microsoft has announced that they are building a chromium-based browser, but time will only tell how well that works and how well it is accepted.
The Google Chrome browser has won the browser wars, at least for now.
So What?
So, I suspect some of you are wondering why I am spending time writing about this issue. What are the options for agents, brokers, and their staff? Here are a few thoughts about how you might think about the browsers your team should be using.
- Identify who is using what browser. If my website statistics reflect current agency usage, then the Chrome browser is the most used browser in your organization.
- Identify those users using the Chrome browser and note what sites work and don’t work. Pass that information on to other staff members.
- Identify legacy websites that require Internet Explorer. I suggest starting a list of the legacy website platforms that do not work correctly in Chrome. This list will provide an idea of how many sites still require Internet Explorer to operate appropriately.
- Talk to legacy website owners. Whether it’s an insurance company with a legacy website that requires Internet Explorer or a vendor or platform, make sure to contact them and express your concern about their use of old, outdated, and no longer supported software (Internet Explorer).
Being required to use a legacy browser that is no longer supported for new web standards is not the position an agency wants to be in. If Microsoft no longer wants you to use their Internet Explorer browser, then you should find ways to make sure you are minimizing the impact in your organization.
What has your organization done to eliminate Internet Explorer from your office? What are the problems you have experienced? You can help others by sharing your tips and tricks.
Reprinted with permission from Steve Anderson’s TechTips newsletter. For more information visit www.SteveAnderson.com.
This article was published in the March 2020 edition of Colorado Insurance News (COIN). To view more articles and read the whole COIN, click here.
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