Approaching the Crossroads

by Heather Champ

I'm a curmudgeon. I'll freely admit it. I'm like an ostrich, sticking my head in the sand, hoping that the impending browser split would never come.

While both Netscape and Microsoft are pushing the envelope with advances in technology and enhanced features, they've chosen to do so in such a way that will divide Web developers and users alike. While in a perfect world every developer and user would embrace both, it's not that practical to assume that everyone has the resources for both.

At the present time there is enough common ground for even the most "newbie" designer to create a site with enough elasticity to meet the requirements of a wide variety of users. Each previous release of a browser was built upon a foundation sanctioned by the W3 with some browser-specific tags to annoy a few and generate controversy. These next generation Internet client products (one can't even say browser) will create even greater barriers and in so doing created gated communities within the Web.

I want to take a stand, even though I don't think that laying down in front of these virtual bulldozers will stop the onslaught of change. We've past that point and somehow lost control of the exchange. It's not so much the technological advancement as the developments made by both "sides" but the tenor of the exchange. Is it a battle with one inevitable winner? A battle of Good vs. Evil? Right vs. Wrong? This would be a rather overly simplistic view. One would hope that the ever-growing pie is big enough for everyone to nibble on. But apparently that's not the case.

Intetnet.com's Browserwatch Stats Station contains data that reflects the browser types visiting the site. While "battle" has seemingly been reduced to two combatants, there are still a number of others that are hanging on though the percentages of these other browsers are very low. These particular statistics show that there is still a wide margin between the big two. It will be interesting to see whether or not Microsoft's aggressive campaign will change the numbers.

Who will be left behind? Designers and developers are typically early adopters--those who wait in anticipation for the latest version release. Others are sometimes restricted by their respective MIS departments until the application in question is fully vetted. It will become increasingly important to determine who the typical user is and ensuring a reasonable user experience.

"Get your hands on the final code." The final version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 for Windows 95 and Windows NT will be available September 30. Microsoft is offering a "Commemorative Edition CD" to customers who order early. It will arrive with personal channels from premier content providers.