Microsoft will no longer make new versions of its widely used Internet Explorer for Apple Computer`s Macintosh.
Apple, which ceded the computer desktop to Microsoft`s Windows operating system years ago, recently launched a new Web browser called Safari that it claims is faster and better at navigating and displaying Web content.
Apple launched its Web browser, which is currently in Beta 2 preliminary release, in January after a five-year development deal between Microsoft and Apple had lapsed.
Microsoft said it would continue to develop its Office document, spreadsheet, presentation and productivity software for the Macintosh.
"We are committed as ever to the Mac platform," said Jessica Sommer, product manager for Microsoft`s Macintosh Business Unit.
Microsoft`s decision could make it more difficult for Macintosh users hoping to access Web content that is tailored for the Internet Explorer, which, like Windows, has more than a 95% market share. Microsoft`s Sommer said that the two companies were talking over user content compatibility issues between future versions of IE and Safari.
Microsoft said its Web browser will be developed more closely in line with Windows, which is scheduled for an overhaul in 2005 that Microsoft said will make it less vulnerable to security breaches.
Netscape, the poster child of the Internet in the 1990s, gave up its leading position in Web browsers after Microsoft targeted the market as a key strategic initiative and scrambled to develop the Internet Explorer.
Microsoft shares rose 3% to close at $25.39 on Nasdaq while Apple shares ended trade 4.88% higher at $18.27.
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