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Abstract

In 1995, Microsoft Corporation launched Internet Explorer (IE) for the first time as a web browser to support internet users. Since then, Microsoft had launched 11 versions of IE till 2013. It had become one of the most popular tools for accessing internet. However, IE began to lose out to its close rivals in the market, like Mozilla Firefox (launched in 2004) and Google Chrome (launched in 2008). These browsers on mobile devices had significantly increased over the years. Meanwhile, Apple's Safari had also gained significant momentum in the browser market, and as a result, the share of IE in the browser market fell to just 1.2%. Another reason for its downfall was that Microsoft updated IE only four times between its eighth and eleventh iterations. This was in sharp contrast to Google Chrome which was updated almost 70 times post-launch. The marketing and promotion of Microsoft for IE were also considered substandard/non-existent. On June 15th 2022, Microsoft finally 'killed the IE'. However, despite the odds, IE introduced the concept of the internet among the people. Against this backdrop, could we say that IE had lost its sheen in the minds of its users?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1995-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States

Featured company

Microsoft Corporation
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Internet technology company

About

Abstract

In 1995, Microsoft Corporation launched Internet Explorer (IE) for the first time as a web browser to support internet users. Since then, Microsoft had launched 11 versions of IE till 2013. It had become one of the most popular tools for accessing internet. However, IE began to lose out to its close rivals in the market, like Mozilla Firefox (launched in 2004) and Google Chrome (launched in 2008). These browsers on mobile devices had significantly increased over the years. Meanwhile, Apple's Safari had also gained significant momentum in the browser market, and as a result, the share of IE in the browser market fell to just 1.2%. Another reason for its downfall was that Microsoft updated IE only four times between its eighth and eleventh iterations. This was in sharp contrast to Google Chrome which was updated almost 70 times post-launch. The marketing and promotion of Microsoft for IE were also considered substandard/non-existent. On June 15th 2022, Microsoft finally 'killed the IE'. However, despite the odds, IE introduced the concept of the internet among the people. Against this backdrop, could we say that IE had lost its sheen in the minds of its users?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1995-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States

Featured company

Microsoft Corporation
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Internet technology company

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