Microsoft delayed IE9 to ease pressure on Japan’s network

The Japanese version of Internet Explorer 9 was delayed back on March 15 by Microsoft, as the company cited concerns over the effect that it might have on the country’s network. The company announced that it would make the download available on April 26, with automatic updates to come at a later date.

Despite being on a slight downslide of late, Internet Explorer is still by far the dominant web browser in Japan (Note: we’re not talking mobile browsers here). Here are the market numbers from December 2009 to December 2010:

Microsoft is not the only company that is having to adjust as a result of the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In the manufacturing sector, nearly 80% of companies surveyed by Teikoku Databank Ltd responded that they have been affected by the earthquake. Of course Tohoku was hardest hit with 84.5% (or 392 companies) saying they have been or will be affected.

It’s important to keep proper perspective in all of this though. Because while many in the west are speculating about what could be delaying the next iPhone, untold amounts of people are still fighting to rebuild their entire lives in Japan.

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