Microsoft to Web Developers: “Bet on us”
On Wednesday, Microsoft Corp began releasing test copies of Internet Explorer 8 at their MIX08 Conference in Las Vegas.
Ray Ozzie, chief software architect for Microsoft, gave his keynote address before the crowd of Web developers. Â
“The Web is at the center of everything Microsoft is doing,” Ozzie said. “The investments we’re making will enable developers and designers to deliver a range of seamless, connected experiences across the continuum of Web applications, rich clients, mobile and other devices.”
"I know today that you have many amazing technology choices available to you, but I’d like you to bet on us."
The release of IE8 is Microsoft’s next big move in their battle with chief rival Google. Firefox is closely affiliated with Google which in 2006 provided around 85 percent of the $66.8 million in revenue of Firefox’s parent organization, the Mozilla Foundation, according to Reuters.
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser is used by three-quarters of the world’s Web users, far more than Firefox’s 17 percent share.
Dean Hachamovitch, general manager of the Internet Explorer team, demonstrated new features in Internet Explorer 8 for Web developers and end users.
Microsoft announced their intent to make its IE browser work more easily with other browsers. Microsoft said this decision to breakaway from IE7 “offers developers better predictability when designing sites.”
This decision comes after a record-setting European Union antitrust investigation into Microsoft after complaints that it was overcharging developers for information.
In his speech, Ozzie also referenced Yahoo Inc, who Microsoft has been engaged in a bidding war with since earlier this year. He said that Yahoo had "creative people and interesting online properties."
Alongside IE8, Microsoft announced the release of Silverlight 2 beta with additional plans to deliver Silverlight for Windows Mobile and Symbian OS. The firm also announced Expression Studio 2 beta, aimed at Web designers and developers.
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