Item — HN Reader

I think the situation is somewhat unpredictable since Microsoft could try to break AJAX apps by introducing all sorts of problems in IE.

Unreliable AJAX apps under IE would discourage users from using web apps. Most users are generally clueless and will not try to switch to another browser.

Microsoft could also undermine the business model of many web services by providing free advertising. The ads could even appear on users' desktops so improving their search engine may not even be necessary.

1 comments

It would take an incredible amount of sack for Microsoft to deliberately break IE; there's no way they would ever take a risk like that and I really doubt it would play out like you think. Web based applications have way too much momentum. Initially the clueless would go without, but the backlash would be so severe in the development and tech communities that pretty soon the clueless would have a working alternative preinstalled. The big internet companies (the ones we should still actually fear) would step in right away and partner with consumer hardware companies to make this happen.

Even if Microsoft does not intentionally break IE, what incentive would it have to improve support for AJAX apps?

For example, what incentive would it have to support an offline mode for AJAX apps?

You think Microsoft can stop web app innovation by just ignoring it themselves?

Their incentive is to maintain their market share. IE7 is their attempt to get their ass in gear for precisely that reason. The market's not going to stick around and wait for IE and the web will progress whether MSFT wants it to or not.

Well, apparently MS killed Java on the client:

http://java.sys-con.com/read/37121.htm

So yes, they could make life difficult for AJAX developers.

the fact that MS Atlas exists makes your AJAX hypothesis false.

Microsoft tried to kill XForms. The workaround of AJAX made Microsoft to open their eyes 10-12 months ago...

People would keep using their browser.

That sort of trick used to work, once, when we all got our software off CDs on the cover of magazines. Firefox is a small download now. They won't try it twice.