Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 deserves the spotlight. I strongly confirm that without any doubt now.

One day after Microsoft released IE 8 Beta 2, and after scratching the features, stability and reliability of the new Internet Explorer for 24 hours, it is clear that the Microsoft IE8 Beta 2 is an eye-opener for Microsoft and Internet Explorer pessimists like me. I’m pretty sure hardcore Firefox fans would not (or just hesitant) to believe this, but give Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 a try and you would believe how great this browser would be when its full version will be released — especially to web developers and Internet-savvy persons like me.

Considering the rapid and continuous shift of computing, social and business paradigms toward the Internet, Microsoft’s flagship web browser is surprisingly abreast and aware with this. Mozilla Firefox have been long hailed for its speed, openness, adherence to web standards and increased functionality — but now, Microsoft proves us it can do the same — at least finally. For sure, there are features that they somewhat copied from other web browsers, but they are worth copying to make our Web life easier, faster and exciting.

Hard-core Firefox Fans And Microsoft Haters: Listen

Avid Firefox fans like me for years can admit that the terms “Internet Explorer” and “Microsoft” are annoyances. And Microsoft cannot blame us with that: many people were disappointed with the release of Windows Vista, and the home browser that it comes with, the Internet Explorer 7, is slow and problematic. I agree that there were problems that came with the original Vista release, but I already have forgiven Microsoft with that after they released Windows Vista Service Pack 1, which encouraged me to love Vista even more and recommend to my friends that it’s now worth upgrading from Windows XP.

I was truly doubtful that IE 8 Beta 2 would satisfy my browsing needs. But after I installed it for fun, it seemed to be beyond my expectations. For a product that comes from Microsoft, that’s “record-breaking” (LOL) and great. If you are a long-time Microsoft products hater, try playing with the new web browser and you’ll see what serious market research can do.

Less Headaches To Web Developers

Web developers completely agree with me that coding compatibility is a pain in the butt especially when dealing with Internet Explorer browsers. I’ve been patronizing Firefox for its adherence to web standards and I used it as my main browser. Why? Because the sites I developed there looked and worked the same with most of other web browsers in the market such as Safari and Opera — and Internet Explorer is not always like that. I would add so many “trys and catches” in our code just for IE, especially with JavaScript or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX). However, that assumption is about to change with Internet Explorer 8 as they finally emphasized support on web standards and interoperability. So, it means less headaches for me and that is great.

I highly encourage that you discover and try Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 by downloading and trying it. It rocked a Microsoft hard-core pessimist like me. It will rock you too. Set aside your hatred and you’ll see that Microsoft’s efforts in giving us an excellent browser to experience and work with the Web is worthy of recognition for the time being.

Learn more by visiting Microsoft’s blog post related with Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 release.

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