Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 has received a life extension. The second development milestone of the browser will now live until December 31, 2008. It is only on the last day of this year that Microsoft will be ready to pull the plug on IE8 Beta 2. The deadline for cutting support for Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 was initially scheduled for November 1, 2008, but Microsoft has extended the life of the browser by a good couple of months.

“Free unlimited installation and usage support is available for Internet Explorer 8 pre-released versions, but only for North America English customers. This support for Internet Explorer 8 pre-released versions is valid until December 31st, 2008,” reads a message on the IE8 Beta 2 support page. “Advanced issues are not supported. Advanced issues include, but are not limited to, problems that are associated with software and hardware development, domain connectivity, server-based technologies, website development, and business-critical systems.” (emphasis added)

Microsoft has quietly moved the support expiration date of Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 from the debut of November to the end of December, without offering any explanation. Initial speculation, based on reports that the Redmond company was gearing up to make the RTW version of IE8 available by the end of November, seemed to be confirmed by the support cut-off date for Beta 2.

At this point in time it's not clear how the prolonged support for Beta 2 will affect, if at all, the release of the final version of Internet Explorer 8. Microsoft has, so far, managed to steer clear of indicating a deadline for the web release of IE8, even with all indications pointing to November 2008. The Redmond giant introduced the first Beta build of IE8 back in March 2008, with Beta 2 released at the end of August.

For the time being, Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 is available for download here.