title= [ Compatible with other Software and Devices? ]

The Internet in comparison to other technologies, took a long time to integrate itself into society. When it did, the technologies changed as fast as the increasing numbers of users that joined the revolution. There is various computer hardware, ranging from PC's, Macs to mobile devices. There are various browsers being used to view the web, from Internet Explorer, FireFox, Opera, to Safari and other hardware specific software. Specific software is also being used to make the Internet more accessible to those disabled, either physically or geographically. These can include readers for the blind, to slower dial-up modems.

No longer can a website be put on the Internet and just be expected to perform well. It may be the first listing in the Google index, but if the page can't be read, then the user will skip to the next website, therefore losing your audience.

{ compatible: not everyone uses Internet Explorer & PC's! }

Compatibility?  Compatible with what?  Compatible with different types of:

  • computers
  • browsers
  • mobile devices
  • disability software
  • text only operating systems

 

Also, compatible with users who:

  • have javascript disabled for security reasons
  • don't wish to, or don't know how to run different plugins (e.g. Flash)
  • don't have audio capabilites (e.g. speakers, headphones)
  • don't use a mouse
  • have firewalls that block popups, certain image types, and scripts

{ id: and there's more... }

Were you aware that even if a user ran the same programs as you do, that they may have their computer configured differently, which would also cause compatibility issues?

There is a growing swing away from Internet Explorer as the default browser, so to many it's a disgrace the amount of broken, or webpages that just simply don't work in Firefox or other browsers. Especially some ecommerce sites!  There are many online directory owners now that wont accept sites that crash or don't display properly on at least FireFox & Mozilla.  Some of the more fussy directory owners are turning away up to 25% of their submissions because of this.

We have heard the old arguement, many times, that the majority of users are not disabled & use Internet Explorer, or that the majority of users have their computer set up in the default factory settings, but thats a pretty lame excuse! Also, not very accurate.

Think of it this way ... One hundred users of Internet Explorer making you $10 income each time, is still only a $1000. You could be sending a non-user of Internet Explorer or a disabled person away who could spend that in one transaction. Many physically disabled people use the Internet for a lot of ecommerce. Many use it as a prime source of entertainment & education.  Many geographically disabled people live in remote locations, and the Internet is an integral parts of their lives.  It seems ludicrous not to cater to them at all.

We've also heard this same excuse: "but they aren't my target audience".  Why aren't they?  Can you say for certainty that within your target audience that none of the above points apply?

Are none of them disabled?  Do they all use the same browser?  Are they all using the same computers and configured the same?  How many are running javascript or using firewalls?  Be careful about who your target audience are!