Many of today’s commuters on the Information Superhighway weren’t even born when Internet Explorer first hit the marketplace 25 years ago. Even the most recent version of the browser, IE11, dates from 2013. Yes, it’s time to say goodbye to this elderly program -- and hello to the next generation of browsing tech.

Over the years, IE11 has grown less and less attractive in comparison to other browsers. Its user experience feels aged and clunky, while the browser itself can seem glacially slow by 2021 standards. It’s little wonder that its market share dropped from a commanding 95 percent in its heyday to a mere 1.28 percent by 2020. Microsoft has decided to put it out of its misery by officially discontinuing it on March 15th.

What about its successor, Edge? Edge Legacy, the HTML-based version of this more modern browser, is also nearing the end of its supported lifespan, with Microsoft scheduled to pull the plug even sooner (March 9th). By that point, both IE11 users and Edge Legacy users will run into some serious frustration. While private IE11 apps will continue to receive support from Microsoft, users won’t be able to use Microsoft 365 apps through this browser after August 17th. Edge Legacy users won’t be able to use web apps or new Microsoft 365 features either.

What’s the good news? Edge Chromium. This newest version of Edge, built on the same Chromium engine that powers so many other popular browsers, offers superior speed and compatibility with today’s online applications. Microsoft also promises greater security, privacy, and productivity, calling it “our best expression of a modern browser.”

Don’t suffer from severe, unnecessary limitations by shackling your organization to antiquated browser software. Ask Gravity Systems’ Austin IT managed system professionals to update your workstations with the latest and greatest way to surf the Net!