A história da guerra dos navegadores - TecMundo

Key Concepts:

• Browser War (First and Second Editions)
• Netscape Navigator
• NCSA Mosaic
• Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE)
• Antitrust Lawsuit
• AOL Acquisition of Netscape
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Market Share
• Innovation
• Open Source

1. Introduction to the Browser War

• The browser war refers to the competition between web browsers in the online market.
• There were two major editions of the browser war, each marked by intense competition and significant changes in the industry.

2. The First Browser War: Netscape vs. Internet Explorer

• Context: The commercial Internet was emerging in the mid-1990s.
• Netscape Navigator:
  • Launched by Netscape Communications, founded by Mark Andreessen and others who previously worked on NCSA Mosaic.
  • Netscape Navigator capitalized on the commercial potential of the web, introducing features like cookies, custom fonts, and background colors.
  • Achieved nearly 80% market share.
  • In August 1995, Netscape's IPO valued the company at $2 billion.
• Microsoft's Entry:
  • Bill Gates initially underestimated the Internet's potential.
  • Microsoft recognized Netscape's threat and initiated a meeting with Netscape, which Netscape described as hostile.
  • Microsoft's response was a memo called "the tsunami on the Internet"
  • Microsoft launched Internet Explorer (IE) as part of the Windows 95 Plus! Pack, integrating the browser with the operating system.
• Microsoft's Tactics:
  • IE was offered for free as a download.
  • Microsoft engaged in a large marketing campaign for IE.
  • Microsoft allegedly delivered a large IE logo to Netscape's office.
• Market Share Battle:
  • Initially, Netscape held a significant lead (72% vs. IE's 18%).
• Antitrust Lawsuit:
  • In 1998, the U.S. government filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing the company of monopolistic practices.
  • The lawsuit centered on Microsoft's bundling of IE with Windows, making it difficult for competitors to compete.
  • Bill Gates was deposed and considered evasive in his responses.
  • Microsoft was convicted of a monopoly, but the decision was appealed.
  • The case dragged on until 2002, resulting in an agreement that required Microsoft to share its APIs and monitor its practices.
• Netscape's Decline:
  • In 1998, AOL acquired Netscape.
  • AOL's management of Netscape was unsuccessful.
  • In 2001, AOL merged with Warner, further diminishing Netscape's importance.
  • The Netscape brand ceased to exist in 2008.
• Internet Explorer's Dominance:
  • By 2002, Internet Explorer held 96% of the browser market.

3. The Second Browser War: The Rise of New Competitors

• Mozilla Firefox:
  • Emerged from the ashes of Netscape.
  • Launched in November 2004.
  • Gained traction as a competitor to Internet Explorer.
  • By the end of 2008, Firefox had 20.78% of the market share, compared to IE's 71.99%.
• Opera:
  • Introduced innovations like tabbed browsing.
  • Became free in 2005, but it was too late to significantly impact the market.
• Google Chrome:
  • Based on the open-source WebKit layout engine (originally developed by Apple).
  • Launched in September 2008.
  • Eric Schmidt initially hesitated to approve the browser.
  • Chrome was developed with over 25 partner code libraries and open-source code.
  • Gained 1% of the market share on its first day.
• Market Share Shifts:
  • In 2009/2010, Firefox gained some ground, with version 3.5 becoming widely used.
  • Chrome rapidly gained market share, surpassing Firefox in mid-2011 and Internet Explorer in 2012.
  • Internet Explorer's market share declined from 50% in October 2010.
• Microsoft's Response: Microsoft Edge
  • In March 2015, Microsoft retired Internet Explorer to launch Microsoft Edge (codenamed "Spartan").
  • Edge aimed to offer improved visuals, functions, and performance.

4. Current Browser Landscape

• Market Share (June 2018):
  • Chrome: 62%
  • Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge combined: 16.5%
  • Firefox: 10%
  • Opera: 1.5%
• Mobile Market:
  • Chrome dominates the mobile browser market, with three times the usage of Safari.
  • Firefox and Microsoft Edge have niche mobile presence.

5. The End of the Browser War?

• The speaker suggests that the browser war may be over, with Chrome holding a comfortable lead.
• Chrome focuses on incremental updates to avoid disrupting its user base.
• Firefox continues to innovate, but its efforts have not led to a major shift in market share.
• Microsoft Edge has not significantly impacted the market, remaining the default browser on new or formatted machines.
• Opera and Safari remain outside the top tier of browsers.
• The speaker notes that there are no indications of a new browser emerging to challenge the status quo.

6. Conclusion

• The browser war was a significant event that shaped the Internet landscape.
• The competition between browsers led to innovation and advancements in web technology.
• The current browser market is dominated by Chrome, with other browsers playing smaller roles.
• It is uncertain whether a third major browser war will occur.