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16th August 2005

Please Microsoft, follow web standards!

posted in edtech |

Today’s article “Microsoft defends RSS rebranding” (use bugmenot if you are asked to register) suggests that Microsoft may be up to its old tricks.

The article states “Microsoft has defended its decision to rebrand RSS feeds in the forthcoming release of Internet Explorer 7 after accusations that it is trying to ‘reinvent the technology’.”

GIVE ME A BREAK. As if we need Microsoft to try and “reinvent” anything! The development of web standards like RSS and ATOM are (in my perception) appropriately beyond the reach of any single company to reinvent. I think this is even true for a company as large and powerful as Microsoft. If true, this perception IS AS IT SHOULD BE.

No one can blame companies for trying to take some commercial advantage of new web communication technologies. An example is Apple Computer’s integration of podcasting into the iTunes software program. There is a big difference between embracing new technologies, and trying to redesign / retool them so you can control and direct them. Yes, Apple would like all podcasters to switch to the AAC encoding format rather than mp3, since AAC files just play in iTunes. AAC encoded podcasts do offer some nice benefits, but to Apple’s credit their podcasting feeds in iTunes support both mp3 as well as AAC. (I know this firsthand, since my podcasts are available in iTunes as mp3 files. I have not produced an enhanced AAC podcast YET.)

So, bottom line reflection here is– let’s hope Microsoft stops trying to rename and recreate web standards that don’t need any commercial help. Microsoft should simply adopt RSS and ATOM support in IE7. And whether they do or not, I have a great suggestion for all Windows users:

Run FireFox as your primary web browser and scrap IE altogether! :-)

On this day..

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 16th, 2005 at 4:32 pm and is filed under edtech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

There are currently 2 responses to “Please Microsoft, follow web standards!”

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  1. 1 On August 17th, 2005, Kane said:

    Wes -

    Do you really use Firefox? I should have taken a look over the weekend!

    Actually, seeing my friend Bill oggle the new laptops (and stunning sub-1000 prices) has raised my interest in a new machine for Christmas. I will probably stick with a PC-compat, and really like the mid-size feel of the Viao. But the key is: what software do I get? Seems like Apple is much more seamless for video editing. Web, too? I’d value any advice or pointers you have.

    - Timmy

  2. 2 On August 17th, 2005, Wesley Fryer said:

    I do use firefox, have tried it on both the Mac and Windows sides, it is a great browser. I am back to mainly using Safari on the Mac side, I have found it snappier, I think because I have a bunch of “live bookmarks” (RSS feeds) that load up in every firefox browser window. Firefox on the Mac side has better java support for WYSIWYG editors, like blogger uses. So if I use Safari to post something on blogger via the web interface, I don’t get the bold, center, etc tools.

    I definitely concur that the Mac with iLife is amazingly powerful and simple to use when it comes to creating multimedia content. I am looking forward to putting together the DVD from last weekend. iLife on a Mac makes you look so good– people are amazed, but it really doesn’t take much technical know-how. That is why I prefer to use a mac whenever I have a choice!