For more than a year, Microsoft has been promoting the end of older versions of Internet Explorer, its longstanding browser. According to ITNews, users have two options: upgrade to Internet Explorer 11, which will receive upgrades as long as Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 are current, or turn to Microsoft Edge, the new browser option. In any event, Explorer 11 will be the final version of this browser, although its backwards compatibility option offers some solace for users of older systems.
"The new Explorer will be tied to the support lifecycle of the current Windows operating system."
CBC News reports some exceptions to the conversion deadline. It notes that Windows Server 12 users can still run Internet Explorer 10, while Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 stay with version 9. However, most of those users relying on previous browser versions will have to make the change once the January 13 deadline arrives.
In its life cycle FAQ, Microsoft confirmed that the new Explorer will be tied to the support lifecycle of the current Windows operating system.
"Focusing support on the latest version of Internet Explorer for a supported Windows operating system is in line with industry standards," the FAQ explained. "Most customers are already using the latest version of Internet Explorer for their respective Windows operating system, however we have found there is still fragmentation across the install base which poses problems for web developers and support staff."
Even with the advance notice, organizations dependent on the previous versions of Internet Explorer must now consider the need to manage older data and applications. The most recent web based terminal emulator can keep pace with technological developments while still connecting with widely used browsers.