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IBM Donates Code to Firefox

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the browser-arms-race dept.

OS24Ever writes "Internetnews.com is reporting that IBM has donated new DHTML code to the Mozilla foundation specifically targeted as accessability and rich interactive applications (RIA). These new features are expected to be in the next major update of Firefox (v1.5). Is this the first OSS application to get RIA/DHTML support for accessability? I would think this could open some doors for Firefox to replace IE in many Windows environments."

10 of 355 comments (clear)

  1. To IBM by Hey_bob · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Thanks for supporting Open Source, and thanks for supporting Firefox.

    -Random Person.

  2. IBM == Good code. by vidarlo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Usually IBM has got good code, so there is hope that this will make a better browser. Certainly, it will be a great merit for firefox. Branding IBM code is a quality sign in my eyes, and might lead to wider acceptance of Firefox, as IBM seems to have noticed the browser.

    --
    Assembling etherkillers for fun an profit
    1. Re:IBM == Good code. by First+Person · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'm curious on what possible motives IBM would have for doing this. I mean, they're a business, there to make money and all. How does this help them in the short or long run?

      This is a maneuver against Microsoft. IE gives Microsoft considerable influence over application creation and hosting tools. By keeping the browser independent, IBM can push Web Sphere and other tools more effectively. The Fortune 500 is the target, fortunately, we can all benefit from their contribution.

      As you've guessed, IBM's promotion of open source is not altruistic.

      --
      Given one hour to live, the student replied: "I'd spend it with professor FP who can make an hour seem like a lifetime."
    2. Re:IBM == Good code. by vidarlo · · Score: 3, Insightful
      I'm curious on what possible motives IBM would have for doing this. I mean, they're a business, there to make money and all. How does this help them in the short or long run?

      A universal client for their dhtml applications? That is my guess

      Firefox works on many OSes, which is their strength. As more and mroe is moving to the web platform, IBM sees this as a easy way to strengthen their position in the web-app market.

      --
      Assembling etherkillers for fun an profit
  3. Re:But why did they do this? by Helios1182 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Well, IBM uses a lot of OSS software on their servers and various other solutions. Most of the code is GPL'd, so the have to return the source. So IBM gets to use a lot of free stuff, make it better, gives back to the community, and still makes their share holders happy. It seems to be exactl what Slashdot wants.

  4. Anyone have a non-buzzword version? by Jerf · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Does anyone have a version of this article that isn't a vague promise that several buzzwords now have more to do with each other than ever?

    I would expect this code actually does something, but the article is so vague I'm not really sure what. What's an example of something that does not work now that will work after this code is integrated and released?

    (Preferably from someone who actually knows; I could make stuff up based on the article too, like this: "Before, if you set the ALT attribute on a dynamically-generated IMG tag, the screen-readers couldn't pick it up. Now they can." But I'm not sure if that's what they mean; that's just my plausible interpretation of the buzzword soup that I'm not very confident in, as I would have thought that works fine now....)

  5. Re:Maybe. by Iriel · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Chronology could make the link you provide somewhat invalid. That story mentions that market share slipped last month, yet I don't recall it saying where the figures are right now. But that's probably going to become irrelevant.

    Even if the user-base hit a plateau already and everyone that wants Firefox, has it, this is article talks about providing accesability to a whole new audience. Being the first in the field does give one an advantage when the two biggest competitors are commercial (Opera) and slower than waiting for a new IE (uh...IE).

    I know there are others, but when these are the three biggest players, Firefox stands to gain a good deal of respect in the accesability crowd if they pull this off with IBM.

    By all means, it won't topple IE, but providing a good set of features to those with disabilities could actually see Firefox instituted in more public terminal situations like schools, libraries and such.

    Besides, OSS tends to be pretty stubborn in the fact that the developers usually stop for nothing short of complete bankruptcy ;) I don't think Firefox developers are going to let a one month slip get to them.

    --
    Perfecting Discordia
    www.stevenvansickle.com
  6. Re:Maybe. by lpangelrob · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Did you specifically avoid reading the summary?

    ...specifically targeted as accessability and rich interactive applications (RIA)

    You know, code that will help make Flash and its lookalikes accessible to people who maybe can't see or hear?

    That's most likely what the poster of the story intended when he/she speaked of being able to "replace IE in many Windows environments."

    --
    -Rob

    Biblical fiscal responsibility

  7. One hell of a move by tolkienfan · · Score: 3, Insightful
    This chess match has just taken a surprising turn!

    The code checks one box that IE doesn't have checked - Accessibilty for rich internet apps.

    This is a carefully designed move to further boost Firefox. It's an excellent reason to give for switching, especially at government facilities.

  8. Re:Maybe. by stoborrobots · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I have no problem with putting a 'Designed for Firefox.' button on my sites...

    These are better... Really.

    --
    "Go to CNN [for a] spell-checked, fact-checked summary" -- CmdrTaco