Internet explorer is the devils work!

For some time I have bashed IE.  It's non-compliant DOM to performance issues to just hating Microsoft as a whole.  Why?  Microsoft takes the approach that because they are big they don't have to change.  Clearly not everyone fears Microsoft.  I read an article recently in TechCrunch (Thanks to Alex for sending it) how a Bootstrapped Startup Saves Over $100K By Dropping IE.  I don't care if this article is blatant Microsoft bashing or not.  The point is this article is true.  I speak from experience that I can develop awesome software then throw it into IE to unit test and have it FAIL!  That is unacceptable in my mind given that Webkit (Chrome/Safari) is standards based.  The "Big guy" on the block IE should be leading the pack not trailing behind it.

This article proves companies can be successful by not adopting IE.  I find that there are many people out there living in fear over IE.  They simply believe people are not able to install another web browser.  I was one of those people.  I thought that I had to adopt IE simply because people were unable to install and use Chrome.  I realized this was just a scare tactic when I was going to recommend using Chrome to my Dad and he said he was already using it.  I was floored.  My Dad while not technically inept, doesn't just install software on his PC.  I have him fearing most software out there because of the number of times I've had to reset his machine.  Much to my surprise he took this upon himself to install and use.  If he can do it, anyone can.

This raises the question as a developer why we are not supporting Chrome more.  Clearly users would use Chrome on our website if we told them we preferred it.  We know we prefer it as developers.  Perhaps now is the time to start changing and encouraging users to use this fine piece of software.  Oddly Google is not supporting a "Best viewed in Chrome" badge.  I was unable to find any sort of download button/badge for websites.  Hard to believe this momentum for Chrome is built from a few simple links on Google's search page.

I believe Chrome will evolve the web to what it should be.  The question is will Microsoft be able to keep up with Chrome before it's too late.  I pity the IE development team.  That has to be the worst job in the world.