As mentioned on the Exploring IE blog this morning, we have released the Windows Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate (RC). The IE 9 Release Candidate incorporates over 17,000 pieces of feedback received from customers, including 15,000 since IE 9 Beta. The RC not only offers better speed, reliability, and performance over Internet Explorer 8 but also incorporates some great new features including Tracking Protection.
As you explore Internet Explorer 9 RC, you should also check out the enterprise tools and updated documentation now available to IT Professionals. Starting today, the Internet Explorer Administration Kit 9 (IEAK 9) and the IE9 Blocker Toolkit are available for download. The IEAK 9 is a tool that helps IT Pros configure default settings and options, package custom components with IE9, and create an MSI wrapper to enable deployment via Active Directory. The IE9 Blocker Toolkit is an automatic update management tool that helps ensure that IE9 is introduced to corporate desktops at the right time. The IE9 Blocker Toolkit prevents the installation of IE9 on unmanaged desktops after the final release of IE9 (Release to Web) becomes available through Windows Update. You can download the new tools and guidance at these links:
- Internet Explorer Administration Kit 9 (IEAK 9)
- IEAK 9 Release Documentation
- IEAK 9 Licensing Guidelines
- IEAK 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- Internet Explorer 9 Blocker Toolkit Download
- Internet Explorer 9 Delivery through Automatic Updates
- Internet Explorer 9 Blocker Toolkit FAQ
In addition to the tools above, we have updated the following guidance that was originally released at IE9 Beta:
For those of you who are deploying Windows 7 with Internet Explorer 8, continue down that path but include Internet Explorer 9 as part of your pilot process. Internet Explorer 9 delivers a fast, customizable, secure experience for your end users. And with nearly 1,500 security policies available, the ability to lock down and standardize your end users’ browsing environment will reduce help desk calls and end user issues.
With the Release Candidate, Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate is now feature complete, and we’re in the final stages to ensure that IE9 meets the quality bar for release. Starting today, users and developers can take advantage of these new platform capabilities and get ready for Internet Explorer 9.
The Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate is now feature complete and the final push is on ensuring that IE9 meets the quality bar for release. Starting today, users and developers can take advantage of these new platform capabilities.
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