Internet Explorer Online: Testing Enterprise Applications

Even though the popularity of Internet Explorer (IE) is declining now, it once used to be one of the most important web browsers in many enterprise systems and applications.

Yes, it’s not the hype anymore, but some businesses and organizations still use it for specific legacy applications.

This blog will give you a brief understanding of Internet Explorer’s role in enterprises. We’ll cover important (yet interesting) questions like what Internet Explorer Online is, and why it is still relevant. How to choose the right Internet Explorer Online platform and more.

A Quick Peek Into Internet Explorer’s History

It all started when Microsoft introduced Internet Explorer to the world in 1955. The platform gained popularity and became the most dominant web browser ever. IE’s integration with the Windows operating system was one of the reasons why the platform became popular in the first place. But with time, newer browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge Online took over and the hype over IE reduced. However, it is still important in many enterprise environments.

What is Internet Explorer Online?

Internet Explorer Online refers to using Internet Explorer in a cloud-based environment. This advanced version allows users to access IE through their web browsers without installing it locally on their devices.

Internet Explorer Online is accessible from any device with an internet connection, and there’s no need to install IE on your local machine. The hassle of maintaining old hardware or software versions solely for compatibility with IE is gone. IE Online is not only cost-effective but also easy to use.

Internet Explorer vs Internet Explorer Online

Steps to Test Enterprise Applications with Internet Explorer Online

The steps to test enterprise applications with Internet Explorer online are given below.

• Choose a Testing Platform: Select a platform with Internet Explorer Online access. Some popular ones are BrowserStack, CrossBrowserTesting, and Sauce Labs.
• Set Up an Account: Sign up for an account on the chosen platform. Most platforms offer free trials or basic plans to get started.

• Access Internet Explorer: Use the platform’s interface to launch Internet Explorer. Select from different versions of IE to match your testing requirements.
• Upload Your Application: If your application is web-based, enter the URL; upload files, or create a secure tunnel for local apps.
• Run Tests: Perform the necessary tests on your application. This includes functionality tests, performance tests, and compatibility tests.
• Analyze Results: Review the test results to identify any issues. Most platforms provide detailed reports and logs to help with debugging.

Common Issues with Internet Explorer Online

• Compatibility Issues: Certain features do not work as expected in Internet Explorer. You will have to use polyfills or alternative solutions to make it compatible.
• Performance Bottlenecks: Internet Explorer can’t handle modern web technologies as efficiently as newer browsers. To solve this issue–optimize your code for better performance.
• Security Concerns: The application should adhere to the security standards required by Internet Explorer to prevent vulnerabilities.

Tools and Techniques For Testing Enterprise Applications

Many new and advanced browsers have taken over IE, but it is still advised to test your applications and websites to be compatible with Internet Explorer. Why is that? Because you want to create something that’s inclusive and works for everyone.

Given below are some of the tools and techniques you can use to accomplish just that.

1)    Developer Tools

Use developer tools to inspect and fix issues for testing enterprise apps on Internet Explorer. These tools identify problems by exploring the webpage structure, debugging JavaScript, and tracking network requests. They offer valuable insights into the app’s behavior, highlight areas needing improvement, and detect compatibility issues.

2)    Test Compatibility with Older Internet Explorer Versions

When working with enterprise applications, test them on older versions of Internet Explorer. It is important for enterprise apps that need to support a wide range of user environments. This way, developers will spot and fix issues so that the application works well for users on various versions of the browser.

3)    IE Emulator

IE emulator tests enterprise applications by simulating different Internet Explorer versions. Now, instead of installing several versions, you can switch between them to find and fix compatibility issues.

4)    Understand Compatibility Mode Settings

Learn about compatibility mode settings to improve legacy and enterprise testing in Internet Explorer. This mode lets IE mimic older versions so that you can seamlessly test how applications perform across different browser editions.

5)    Enterprise Mode Site List

The enterprise mode site list specifies which websites should be displayed in a specific document mode. The list checks if legacy applications run properly by mimicking older IE versions when needed. The Enterprise Mode Site List is valuable for developers who want to simplify testing and improve compatibility for legacy applications within Internet Explorer.

6)    Rendering Issues

A major challenge in enterprise testing for Internet Explorer is fixing rendering problems. This issue arises due to compatibility issues with older browser versions. Developers use tools like the F12 Developer Tools to inspect and troubleshoot rendering problems, check code functionality, and make necessary changes.

Browser extensions like the Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar identify rendering issues by adjusting CSS styles, inspecting source code, and mimicking different browser settings.

7)    Check JavaScript and CSS Compatibility

Testing JavaScript helps in identifying issues with DOM manipulation, event handling, or asynchronous requests that arise with older IE versions. Whereas testing CSS compatibility spots rendering problems, layout issues, or styling errors that affect the look and user experience of web pages.

8)    Cloud Tools

Leverage cloud-based tools to optimize time and resources, providing precise testing and scalability for enterprise applications. You can run tests on multiple versions of IE at the same time and improve the overall performance and reliability of your applications.

Choose the Right Internet Explorer Online Platform

Different factors to consider while choosing the right IE platform for enterprise testing are:

• Ease of Use: The platform should be easy to navigate, even for those who are not highly technical.
• Features: Should support multiple IE versions, automated testing capabilities, and detailed reporting tools.
• Cost: Choose a platform that is both affordable and efficient.
• Customer Support: Must have a reliable customer support team.
• Scalable: The platform should be able to scale as per your needs, especially if you have many applications to test.

Here is a comparison between different apps to help you decide better.

Internet Explorer Online Relevancy Explained

There are many reasons why Internet Explorer Online is still relevant. 3 of them are mentioned here:

1)    Legacy Support

Many businesses have spent a lot of money and time on systems designed to work with Internet Explorer. So moving these systems to modern browsers will be very expensive and time-consuming. Internet Explorer Online is a good solution to keep using these systems while planning for future updates.

2)    Cross-Browser testing

Web applications must function properly on various browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. And Cross-Browser testing is a way to ensure just that. Let’s say a feature that works perfectly in Chrome does not work the same way in Internet Explorer. This is the situation you’d want to avoid. Because we need an inclusive application that works effectively across all platforms.

3)    Security and Compliance

Some industries have strict rules that require the use of specific technologies or browsers. Internet Explorer Online helps meet these rules by offering a controlled environment for using Internet Explorer.

Best Practices For Testing with Internet Explorer Online

1)    Plan Your Tests

You should have a clear plan. Decide what types of tests you need to perform. They could be functional tests, performance tests, or security tests. An organized approach like this will save a lot of time, as it is rightly said that–a lack of clarity creates a delay in success. You wouldn’t want that to happen while testing your applications. Planning gives you clarity, so plan ahead.

2)    Use Automation

Many Internet Explorer Online platforms provide tools to automate your tests. This means you can write scripts to run your tests automatically, rather than doing everything manually every time.

3)    Collaborate with Your Team

Testing is a team effort, and effective communication is key to successful testing. When everyone is on the same page, it’s easier to resolve problems quickly and improve the application. So just sit with your team, share ideas, skills, and perspectives, and create a high-quality product.

Conclusion

Internet Explorer Online is useful for businesses that rely on old systems. However, technologies are evolving at a rapid pace. And there’s no doubt that companies will update their applications to work with modern browsers for obvious reasons i.e. better security, speed, and features.

But Internet Explorer is not vanishing anytime soon. That is why in this blog we discussed some of the important aspects that you as a tester need to know.