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CSS, IE, and Continued Frustrations

Brainstorms and Raves has an excellent discussion (with links) about Microsoft and issues around their somewhat non-compliant Explorer browser. As Shirley points out, most products comply with standards (e.g., IEEE, ISO) that serve a dual purpose: better quality with less duplication of effort for companies that produce the products (who needs 20 ways to build a light bulb when 1 will do?).

In the web browser space, however, Microsoft for various reasons refuses to make their browser fully standards compliant. When websites do not display properly, however, visitors blame the website when it is the Microsoft browser at fault. This entry provides links that explain why and what is at stake.

I would note that the worst case scenario — Microsoft uses its browser monopoly to impose its own standards — is somewhat limited by increasing IT use of Linux and the desire of corporations to ensure their IT efforts remain viable over time (translation: as little non-standards compliant technology as possible). There are excellent reasons to use Microsoft technology but there are equally excellent reasons to hedge your bets and protect your IT expenditures.

http://brainstormsandraves.com/archives/2003/10/10/feast_62_standards/

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