Microsoft initially previewed the Internet Explorer 7 Readiness Kit at MIX06 in March 2006. The toolkit is a product addressing developers that are looking to tests their websites with Internet Explorer 7. Compatibility was one of the biggest issues with IE, and this is of course a detail valid even prior to the delivery of IE7, and a reason why developers pointed the finger at Microsoft. This is one reason why the Redmond company is delivering the Readiness Kit for IE7, along with such tools as the Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar.

The Readiness Kit is designed to enable developers to make sure that their products, from websites to extensions and applications, are compatible with Internet Explorer 7. The Kit will bring to the table guidance, information, and tools to test compatibility scenarios. Of course that with IE dominating the browser market, website developers have to make sure first of all that their creation will integrate seamlessly with Microsoft's proprietary browser.

According to the most recent data published by Internet metrics company Net Applications, Internet Explorer is still by far the dominant browser. At the end of September 2007, IE accounted for 77.86% of the browser market with Firefox as runner up with 14.88%. At this point in time, the largest share of IE users are running IE6, but things will undoubtedly change with the continuous adoption of IE7. The past month, Internet Explorer 7 grew to 34.60% of the market.

"The Internet Explorer 7 Readiness Toolkit provides an easy way for any audience that is involved in the development, test, deployment or support of Web sites, extensions, and/or applications to prepare for Internet Explorer 7. The Toolkit provides the following:

- Testing guidance and tips for isolating and identifying a particular compatibility problem.
- Improved navigation to help find information.
- Pointer to the latest publicly available build of Internet Explorer 7.
- Developer Checklist including new features and changes of interest to application and Web developers should be aware of.
- Tools for development and testing.
- Links to resources, technical articles, and helpful blog posts.
- Various methods for providing feedback to Microsoft."