Microsoft Deprecating IE6 the Right Way

August 12th, 2009

I am pretty far from a Microsoft fanboy. In fact, most of what MS produces scares, worries, and downright nauseates me: UX, security, maintainability, compatibility…

Still, I like two things about this blog post about their Office web apps.

First, I like that they are officially focusing on (admittedly, a subset of) modern browsers for their very dynamic web apps. Developers and designers at Microsoft are just like the rest of us, after all: they want to do great work and hate clunky platforms and unfortunate constraints. Bravo for continuing the baby steps forward.

Second, I like that they aren’t blocking or filtering user agents. They are offering “unofficial” support to semi-modern and modern browsers. They aren’t showing upgrade notices that make users feel like losers. They aren’t blocking access as some goofy religious mission. They’re just being practical.

From the post:

If you prefer to use another browser you should still give the Web Apps a try. While we cannot officially support all browsers, customers will not be blocked from using them. It is a goal of the Web Apps to have broad compatibility and reach.

I hope (oh dear lord am I gonna say this?!?) others can follow in Microsoft’s footsteps here and be respectful to users.*

* Yes, I also know Microsoft isn’t the first to do this. I’m being snarky.