Microsoft: Internet Explorer 7 'High-Priority' Update

Microsoft has announced plans to distribute its upcoming Internet Explorer 7 Web browser as a "high priority" upgrade via its Windows Automatic Update tool. The browser, currently in its third and final beta testing phase, is scheduled for release later this year. The updated version of Microsoft's Web browser, Internet Explorer 7 (IE7), will be delivered using Automatic Updates (AU) to "help our customers become more secure and up-to-date," Tony Chor, group program manager at Microsoft, wrote on the company's IEBlog Web site.
According to Chor, advanced security features in IE7, such as ActiveX Opt-in, the Phishing Filter and Fix My Settings, will help make IE users more secure. Microsoft has designed IE7 to help protect users from malicious software and fraudulent Web sites, Chor continued, and Microsoft recommends that all Windows customers install IE7.
Consumer Considerations
IE7 is the first significant update for Microsoft's Web browser in five years. Microsoft has said that improving security in the browser was priority number one. Since the release of its predecessor, IE6, critics have very vocally berated Microsoft because of the plethora of security flaws with which that browser has been riddled.
The AU distribution strategy is seen as a fairly aggressive tactic. However, it very likely could achieve Microsoft's apparent goal to have the majority of Windows users install the new browser. However, this is not a forced installation. Consumers will be able to choose whether to accept the software or not. Prior to downloading the new browser, the AU tool will notify consumers that the update is ready and ask them whether they would like to continue with the installation.
Users who want to download the new version of IE7, don?t have to wait to be prompted by the Automatic Update utility. They can head to the Windows Update or Microsoft Update sites and download IE7 by performing an "Express" scan for high-priority updates, Chor continued. During installation, users' current settings including toolbars, home page, search engines and favorites will be preserved and will not revert to default setting in the browser.
In addition, Chor added, consumers who want "roll back" to IE6 can do so at any point by using the Add/Remove Programs functions in the Control Panel.
Business Considerations
Enterprise customers who prefer not to have Microsoft automatically install IE7 on their networks can take advantage of a tool Microsoft released on Wednesday. The special "Blocker Toolkit," available for download from Microsoft's Download Center, will allow business users to prevent the automatic distribution and installation.
The tool, according to Microsoft, is intended for companies who may not be prepared to handle the update or would like to have more hands-on management of software installed on its computers.
"I think this approach strikes a good balance across a couple of dimensions -- helping customers become more secure, giving them control, and providing options for enterprises," Chor wrote.
Web developers could be left scrambling to ensure that their sites are compatible with the changes made in IE7. Developers of some online applications will have to change their code to make sure that it will work with the new browser. While beta versions of IE7 have been available since February, many online applications are expected to encounter compatibility issues when the browser is released.
"If my lowest browser support level was IE7, then it would be a dream. However, seeing how many bugs and compatibility issues still exist with IE7, I see this as a nightmare for supporting various apps currently available, and Web sites (Web apps) too," one developer wrote on the IE blog.

Written by: Walaika K. Haskins, newsfactor.com Thu Jul 27, 12:31 PM ET