The Program Manager driving extensibility in IE7 Mark Harris has presented in an entry on the IEBlog the personalization flexibility that Microsoft means to make synonym with Internet Explorer 7. In this regard, Harris indicated the www.ieaddons.com website, an area where the Redmond Company has centralized various resources delivered for close integration with its latest browser. Generated completely by third party sources, the add-ons go beyond the boundaries of simple toolbars, delivering a complex breadth of applications divided taxonomically into security, time savers, browsers, and entertainment categories.

"I rented a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200C this past weekend (hold the mid-life crisis jokes). There are a huge number of accessories available for the bike: custom handlebars, special seats, and (of course) louder mufflers. These accessories let riders personalize their riding experience. In a similar way, Internet Explorer Add-Ons provide users with a way to personalize their browsing experience," promises Harris.

Microsoft stated that all the add-ons provided via its Website have undergone a close screening and rating process designed to help with their exploration. The security add-ons offer online protection, parental controls, pop-up blockers and privacy related devices. As with most browsing behavior, time is the essence, and Microsoft provides a variety of solutions meant to expedize time consuming routine tasks. Auto-Fill Forms, Bookmark Managers, Business Tools, Developer Tools, Download Managers, Tools and Utilities and Web Feeds are add-ons designed to save the users' time.

Providing offline browsing and alternative browsing solutions, Microsoft aims to expand navigational capabilities through specialized browser add-ons. Animation (Flash) Players, Design Tools, Digital Photography, Music and Audio Players, Video Players fall under the entertainment category responding to growing consumer trends.

Users looking to customize their browser can surf the hundreds of add-on centralized by Microsoft, and download them free of charge or for a price according to the pricing policy of the provider. "New add-ons are being submitted to www.ieaddons.com every day. There is no way one blog post could showcase all of our favorite add-ons that are available for IE7, so you will be hearing more from us on this subject. Until then, have fun customizing your Internet experience, and share your favorite add-ons below," concluded Harris.