Cross-browser compatibility 'vital in website maintenance'
08/09/2008
Google has reminded web developers of the importance of making sure sites can be viewed in all browsers following the launch of Chrome.
Those in charge of website maintenance have been urged to ensure the site in question is fully compatible with all of the major browsers available today.
Following the launch of the Google Chrome browser, the search engine has sought to bring the issue of browser compatibility to the fore for web developers.
Writing on the Webmaster Central blog, Maile Ohye, developer programs tech lead at Google, explained that accessible, search engine-friendly websites are likely to be compatible with most browsers.
She highlighted the importance of using HTML rather than more complex techniques such as AJAX to ensure cross-browser compatibility, as well as emphasising how utilising validated code can be beneficial in this regard.
Carrying out usability testing is also vital, while using applications such as Doctype can do much to iron out isolated errors, Ms Ohye remarked.
"When your site renders poorly or is difficult to use on many browsers, you risk losing your visitors' interest and, if you're running a monetised site, perhaps their business," she went on to warn.
According to statistics updated hourly by Net Applications, Google Chrome currently accounts for between one and two per cent of the web browser market.
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