By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The long term relationship between Tech giant, Microsoft and its partner, Internet Explorer has finally kissed the dust as the former on Wednesday announced a total shutdown of the iconic browser after 25⁰ years.
“After 25+ years of helping people use and experience the web, Internet Explorer (IE) is officially retired and out of support as of today, June 15, 2022. To many millions of you, thank you for using Internet Explorer as your gateway to the internet,” the company said in a blog post.
It had over a year ago said its Internet Explorer 11 Window 10 desktop app would be retired in preference for Microsoft Edge, beginning from June 15, 2022.
It therefore encouraged users to switch to Microsoft Edge.
“Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Microsoft said of its newer browser, which launched in 2015, in a blog post.
The first version of Internet Explorer was included in a Windows 95 Plus upgrade pack in 1995.
It was once the most popular web browser, reportedly having 95% of the market in 2003.
Usage however declined as rivals like Google Chrome took over the market.
Microsoft as a catch-up measure made the Chromium-powered Edge its default browse. StatCounter indicated it’s recently held around 0.5% of the market.
