The outdated version 6 of Microsoft's browser Internet Explorer - it comes from 2000 - widely regarded as a major risk to users, in addition to the functionality is limited compared to modern commodity. It does not prevent IE6 to have its warm supporters. These are not criminals who want the greatest possible opportunity to capture IDs and steal useful information, but corporations and government agencies who believe that other considerations than security and modern functionality and ease of use will be decisive for the choice of browser.
In January, was developing Dan Frydman in the web development company Inigo Media initiated a petition in which the British Government asked to encourage government agencies to upgrade away from IE6. The action showed, among other things, the authorities in Germany and France have already made such a request, and that if the British government concludes, it will create sufficient movement behind the claim that Europe is following up. It will then be positive provided not only for IT security in general, but also for the continent's ability to technological innovation.
On his official web site for answers to the signature actions are Her Majesty's Government released its final answer: No.
The argument is firm.
Point 1: The Government takes IT security very seriously, and has also recently undertaken a more coordinated approach to information security and strategy cyber security.
Point 2: "There is nothing to suggest that upgrading over the last fully upgraded versions of Internet Explorer to other browsers will provide increased security for users." (Note the clever lack of clarification of what version of IE it refer to.)
Point 3: "Organizations in the public sector are free to choose software that meets their needs as long as they adhere to appropriate standards. System Upgrade / Data on cost-effectiveness depends on the needs and conditions in each organ. "
After such an argument for the conclusion itself:
"It is not straightforward for public agencies to upgrade IT versions on their systems. To upgrade these systems to IE8 can be a major operation, which takes weeks to test and distribute to all users. To test all web applications that government ministries use today can take months, and potentially be very costly for taxpayers. It is therefore more cost effective in many cases to continue to use IE6, and rely on measures like firewalls and antivirus in the ongoing protection of Internet users in the public sector. "
In other words: Save money, count on us and ask for good weather.
On his blog notes the initiator of the petition that the failure is complete, and reminds us that everything he asked for was a recommendation to upgrade.
- It's not much we can do, and I am sorry to seem defaitistisk, but in the short term it is the way it is. Realism tells me that it is all about spending, not about safety or whether the government will sweeten web designers and developers, printer Frydman.
He encourages those who suffer from savings measure to address the matter with their MPs and their IT administrators.
Rejoice Mans own company, Inigo, has now decided to increase the fee if the client demands that applications must be adapted to IE6.
Frydman believes it can be justified from the fact that it actually costs more when you need to ensure that sites also must satisfy users of the ten year old technology.
No wonder that Scotland break with England in this matter, and have used their autonomy to initiate an upgrade to IE7 in the public sector.
