21–30 of 114 posts
Maybe you could turn this idea into a new monetization technique for content websites. Free for most, but IE 6 users have to pay to view your content.
but the underlying problem is that IE6s are still sticking in big enterprise/workplace where they do not have a choice of uninstalling it.
And if I have some experienced webdevs who have done this type of stuff since forever, the cost is already largely locked in. Sure I may not be "helping the web" (whatever that means), it may mean a substantial boost in revenue.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
but the underlying problem is that IE6s are still sticking in big enterprise/workplace where they do not have a choice of uninstalling it.
Actually, the biggest pool of IE6 users are people from poor countries running pirated copies of Windows XP with no access to automatic updates.
I actually have a friend whose design shop has been doing this for a while. It really drives the point home.
The issues with getting large corporations to finally upgrade are moot. The consumer/home user is already abandoning IE6 because people like us are advising them to. Large companies aren't going to incur the cost of an upgrade until they have to. They don't have to as long as people keep supporting IE6. With the current amount of web traffic coming from IE6 hovering around 12% (last time I checked) it really depends on whether or not an organization needs to reach those visitors with an experience that is on par with users of other browsers. Putting a price tag on it is perfect.
An upgrade also requires that all internal applications built for IE6 are also updated. That's an even larger headache if one or more of those applications were built by an external vendor. I know a large company(4500+ employees) that recently upgraded from IE6 to IE7 internally. It was a MAJOR effort at significant cost to make this change.
At this point its naive to think that majority of IE6 usage is based on the individual home or business user who has control over their workstation and could upgrade with the press of a button.
If you choose to dump support for IE6, understand that you're making the choice against some large organizations. And make sure you communicate this to your clients as well if you're building a site for them. If you're ok with that, go for it. Charging more to support IE6 is reasonable, but make sure you're clear with your clients that there ARE reasons to support IE6. Let them make an informed decision rather than based on the bias of a developer who doesn't want the hassle.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
but the underlying problem is that IE6s are still sticking in big enterprise/workplace where they do not have a choice of uninstalling it.
Actually, the biggest pool of IE6 users are people from poor countries running pirated copies of Windows XP with no access to automatic updates.
Or you could just give them a 101 on web standards, while giving the main points why you wont support IE6. It almost depends on your clients. ie: Since most MLS programs are still in the dinosaur age, most Realtors use Windows, and good % of them still use IE6(I've seen the analytics), crazy eh? I just wont support it. Update your OS/Browser!
I mean seriously...how hard is it for them to add "Run as IE6" mode to IE9?
That way companies can run their internal crap as "IE6"...and can browse the web as IE9.