Microsoft Opens Public IE Bug Database

In a rather amusing but well-timed release, Microsoft launched the Internet Explorer Feedback Web site , a public database that enables users to submit bugs and make suggestions for the ubiquitous browser. The system is to be used for IE7 and all future releases. Built atop the Connect platform Microsoft uses for beta testing, Internet Explorer Feedback will track issues discovered in IE7, much like the open source Bugzilla software used with Mozilla’s Firefox browser. A Passport account is required for now, but later updates will allow anyone to view the various bugs found. Beta testers have been instructed to utilize the system to report any bugs they come across during testing. This move comes just weeks before IE7 hits public beta 2. This is a major shift in policy for Microsoft, which until date kept bug information restricted from the public eye. Now, anyone will be able to see the number of outstanding problems with Internet Explorer.