So Internet Explorer 7.0 is out and Microsoft is finally working to compete against Firefox. Normally, Catch-up is not a game that a company likes to play, however, Microsoft has a long and proven track record of not only catching up but of dominating once they do (not making any value judgements about tactics).

I’ve been working with Firefox for many months now and I’ve been working with Internet Explorer 7 for several weeks.

Currently, I’d say that Firefox is winning the race hands down right now, but the track is a long one and Microsoft has the money and connections to potentially catch up. I have a real simple reason why I think Firefox is winning.

1. Firefox works
2. Firefox has an extensive ecosystem of add-ons
3. Internet Explorer won’t run on my primary laptop

I’m tackling these points in reverse order:

Ok, so I’m a little selfish, but I have this general rule of thumb that if a software program is not compatible with my primary system, then I will not endorse it! (I’m running XP Pro, but have corporate installed anti-virus protection running and its not compatible. It was also an extreme pain in the rear, to get IE7 off my system and IE6 back on so that I’d have IE at all.)

Now, Microsoft has some good reasons for making a browser that is not compatible with some corporate computers, but at the end of the day its a pretty ignorant move to push out a software program when their highest paying customers can’t use it. They should have worked out a deal with the anti-virus folks to get something to market that works. The anti-virus folks are in some serious need of cash to pay tax bills and things, so I’m sure deep pockets Microsoft could have worked out something.

Now, Firefox’s big advantage over IE7 - now that they both have tabbed browsing - is its excellent build out of an add-on ecosystem. They make it very easy for users to customize their Firefox web surfing experience. Do you comment on blogs, well get a Co-comment add on to keep track of all those comments.

The Add-on Ecosystem

1. Do you want the ability to provide a cookie crumb like trail complete with post it comments along the way to walk someone through your internet research? Check out the grait Trailfire add-on.
2. Do you spend a little or make a little through google? There’s an add-on for that.
3. Are you a graphic designer and need to measure buttons and art on websites? Just try MeasureIt
4. Need a download management tool? You guessed it there are dozens of them complete with reviews and more!

Just a Minute Trailfire works with IE7 too!

Oh, wait, IE7 is partnering with Trailfire too(Firefox Extension; Internet Explorer 7 add-on), OK no advantage for Firefox here anymore. I guess Trailfire is playing it smart and working to take care of customers on both sides. This also marks the slim advantage that Firefox has. Firefox has momentum, but IE7 will eventually work for corporate users, and will eventually capture many of the same extensions offered on Firefox.

Trailfire is an important tool and a great example of Web 2.0 technology at work. It allows people to capture their knowledge or insight into a web site and rapidly share that knowledge with anyone they choose. Its great for research teams, students, and especially for business.

I guess the real question is how long will it take IE7 to actually catch-up with Firefox! If memory serves it took Microsoft about 3-4 years to catch up with Netscape back in the 90’s. Somehow I think they might be able to do this a little faster this time. They are behind, but not as far behind as they were back then.

Oh and by the way, Firefox is not asleep at the wheel. Firefox 2.0 is coming out very soon!

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006 at 3:00 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.