14 DAY TRIAL // With the availability of Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 Microsoft has killed the old IE8 Beta 1 Readiness Toolkit. Designed as a collection of resources, the original readiness Toolkit website is no longer available, except via the Google cache, and the URL now redirects to the official hotspot for IE8 Beta 2 under Microsoft.com. As the IE8 Beta 1 build was a release aimed at developers first and foremost, the Readiness Toolkit was set up to offer "everything that a developer needs to know," as Microsoft had put it, about the browser, from features, to release notes, to testing tools, and additional resources. But Microsoft did not leave developers, IT professionals and users hanging out to dry, and in this context made available a brand new Internet Explorer 8 Readiness Toolkit, tailored to the Beta 2 Build of the browser.
"The evolution of the Internet has introduced new ways to access the information people care about most—whether it is from interactive webpages, rich media videos, user-generated content or powerful search engines. Internet Explorer 8 seamlessly delivers all of the experiences available from the web, and helps people browse faster and easier than ever before. Microsoft listened to Internet users and developed new platform features that help reduce the steps needed to reach interesting and timely information or services, while helping to protect their privacy and defend their PCs and confidential information against security threats," Microsoft reveals via a message addressed at developers.
The new IE8 Readiness Toolkit is no longer focused exclusively on developers as was the case with the Beta 1 release. Since the Beta 2 Build of IE8 is richer in features compared to its predecessor, Microsoft is advertising the version for end users and IT professionals. In this context, the Redmond giant is highlighting all the IE8 Beta 2 end user features that are new compared to Beta 1, and what the successor of IE7 can do in corporate environments.
"The browser is becoming an increasingly central part of your IT environment. Built with security and application compatibility in mind, Internet Explorer 8 helps to keep your customers, users and investment in Internet Explorer 7 applications safe. Enterprise deployment and management comes as standard with Group Policy, and tools for deployment and configuration are all backed by Microsoft's professional support organization. And Internet Explorer 8 will help your customers and users connect with your business and online services in new ways," the company indicated to IT professionals.
Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 is available for download here.