Windows previews Project Spartan browser

The browser Microsoft is positioning to succeed its longtime standard, Internet Explorer, is now available in a preview format, and commentators are remarking on some of its key features.

A CNNMoney article reviewing this build noted some of its attributes that are designed for a leaner user experience. Preparing for the new browser could give users a chance to become more familiar with a potentially important browser option and adjust their other enterprise expansions plans as well.

This latest look at Project Spartan is part of the newest preview of the Windows 10 desktop made available for special "Insiders, which in part showed off the "Edge" rendering engine being used. While the desktop version of Windows 10 will include Internet Explorer 11, largely for "backwards compatibility," mobile devices will only have access to Spartan. This might factor into BYOD planning for enterprises investing in newer technology that want the same accessibility for all worker phones and computers.

Writing for PC Magazine, Michael Muchmore mentioned the "sleek design" of the current version and praised the more streamlined approach to browsing present in Microsoft 10.

"One hidden benefit of Spartan is that there will only be one browser, rather than the confusing two Internet Explorers—the modern full screen ("Metro" if you will) version and the standard desktop browser," he said. Muchmore also noted that "Spartan will fulfill both roles without the jarring differences" of the older Explorer browsers, with the added benefit of being easy to use in a single browser interface.

To support access to critical legacy applications, enterprises should use a browser based terminal emulator that is specially geared for use on multiple employee devices. Focusing on a browser-based solution eliminates the need for troubesome downloads and installations, so companies take advantage of the capabilities in newer software, as well as old.