Although Google Chrome continues to dominate the web browser rankings, Microsoft's flagship service is making strides in an important market, according to new data.
A survey of 3000 employees conducted by TechRadar Pro, in conjunction with Perimeter 81, found that Microsoft Edge is the preferred web browser for the largest proportion of companies (37,77%).
While Google Chrome is not far behind (33,01%), Edge's share of the business world is well above its position in the broader market, which Statcounter puts at around 4%.
An uphill battle for Microsoft Edge
Although Microsoft Edge's user base grew rapidly in the months after its early 2020 relaunch, much of that gain was due to the retirement of Edge Legacy and Internet Explorer.
Despite a steady stream of feature updates, renewed marketing efforts, and the integration of Edge into the company's new Windows 11 operating system, Microsoft has since struggled to move the needle in any meaningful way.
The most recent data shows that while Edge overtook Firefox in the rankings, it still trails Safari (18%) and Chrome (65%), the two default browsers on iOS and Android, respectively.
Microsoft also scored a number of its own goals that probably didn't attract new potential users to the new browser.
For example, the company was recently forced to roll back a policy that added unreasonable friction to the process of changing the default browser after users raised concerns.
Microsoft has also been criticized for its efforts to prevent links opened through its own services (eg, Windows 11 widgets, Start menu, etc.) from launching in any browser other than Edge, another tactic that has caused community reviews.
However, the indication that Edge has become the browser of choice for businesses will boost Microsoft's morale, suggesting that the company's efforts to rely on qualities like security are paying off.
Over the past year, for example, the company has beefed up the built-in password manager, implemented a built-in VPN service, and introduced a "Super Duper Safe Mode" designed to protect against all sorts of browser-based attacks. .
If Microsoft Edge is going to compete with the market leaders, the team will need to claim a particular niche or use case. In the business market, maybe you found one.