Web developers will get the most benefit with Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) launched early this week.

Melbourne-based technology development consultant Ovum said in its recent review that that the IE9 will be a delight to web developers as it integrates the HTML5 capabilities of the previous Internet Explorer 6,7, and 8. It can support WebM-encoded HTML5 video supported when a VP8 codec is installed on Windows; H.264-encoded HTML5 video support. Moreover, it has compatibility mode for viewing websites designed for older browsers

With IE9 web developers are also given the access to developer tools built-in to the browser. It also has tools that show pages in different rendering engines to let developers understand and debug browser differences.

"Organisations with public-facing websites will probably try and encourage consumers to use the more capable, web standards compliant IE9 in order to make life easier for their web developers and to wow them with a richer experience, but non-technical users will probably wait until Microsoft pushes the browser out in a Windows service pack," Ovum's principal analyst Richard Edwards said in an issued statement.

IE9 web developers are also given the access to developer tools built-in to the browser. It also has tools that show pages in different rendering engines to let developers understand and debug browser differences.

In an effort to regain back its lead among web browsers used all over the world, Microsoft introduced other key features that would encourage users to switch back to Internet Explorer.

In terms of performance, the IE9 can now match the fast and easy startup function of Chrome 9 and Firefox 4. It is also built for fast JavaScript engine for better performance. IE9 allows the smooth, quick loading of popular websites. However, IE9's edge over the two is its full hardware acceleration for text, graphics, and video provided by default. It also notifies the user when add-ons slow down the browser's performance.

In terms of security, IE9 boasts of having the most protection against socially engineered malware. Sites frequently used can easily be pinned and viewed as one in a clean web interface that other browsers do not offer.

It seems the IE9 is almost close to perfect. Nevertheless, there is still a downside to it, which Microsoft engineers would still need to work on.


Area for Improvement

The IE9, however, does not run on Windows XP, which is a turn-off to corporate desktop managers.

"New browser versions are also expected from the competition, but we believe the next battle ground for the 'browser wars' will be fought not on the desktop, but on the smartphone and tablet, and this is where Microsoft's existing browser offering still has a lot of catching up to do," Ovum's Mr. Edwards added.