Google pitches Chrome for businesses with IE hard-wired applications

Google has started pitching Chrome at businesses whose applications are hard-wired to Internet Explorer. In the process it has chided the software giant that its once-proud browser had become "legacy".

Google today released the Chrome Legacy Browser Support extension that allows opening of applications with what it called ''legacy'' browsers.

The internet search company's extension relies on an exception list that was compiled and maintained by the business's IT deptartment. It was a list of sites that would be recognised by Chrome as being only able to work with so-called legacy browsers. It would hand these over to IE when needed.

Google said when users clicked a link that required a legacy browser to open (such as a site that required ActiveX), the URL would automatically open in the legacy browser from Chrome. It added it could be specified which URLs could be launched into a second browser and the Chrome policy could be deployed for the organisation.

Cyrus Mistry, senior product manager, Chrome for business and education, said in a Google blog that the change was one among two to make Chrome easier to use at work.

''Legacy browser support lets IT admins of organisations embrace the modern web,'' Mistry said.

Google is working to increase Chrome browser adoption inside enterprises by improving management tools.

"You probably use a browser throughout the day to access useful information, stay connected with people and run Web apps - at work, at home and on the go," wrote Mistry. "However, browser choice at the office may be determined by your company's IT team. Today we're making it easier for companies everywhere to choose Chrome for Business."