Microsoft Japan today announced the postponement of the Japanese release of Internet Explorer 9 to an unspecified future date. In a press release, Microsoft Japan pointed to the recent earthquake as being one of their reasons for the delay, as well as an effort to reduce the load on network bandwidth at such a critical time.
Internet Explorer 9 is set to bring a wave of new features to Microsoft"s browser, including HTML5 and CSS3 improvements, an updated interface, improved JavaScript performance, and many other improvements. Originally, the browser had been scheduled to go live at 1PM on March 15th in Japanese time, but the company halted their plans with just hours to go. Microsoft extend their sympathies to those effected by the earthquake in Tōhoku and hope to be able to recover as quickly as possible.
A Google-translated version of the press release is below.
To everyone affected by the earthquake off northeastern Taiheiyou this time, I would like sincere sympathy.
Microsoft Japan, this time due to the earthquake, and to reduce the load on network bandwidth has become a critical communications infrastructure, including consideration of saving the company activities, March 15 (Tuesday) at 1:00 pm (Japan time) had been scheduled to date browser, Internet Explorer (R) decided to postpone 9 of the Japanese version of the retail offer. (Other than the Japanese version will be available as scheduled)The new date for delivery as soon as I guide decision while watching the recovery status.
In conjunction with this, March 17 (Thursday) We also postpone or cancel the decision of the retail offer commemorative events are scheduled. We also guide decisions about again.
And apologize for any inconvenience that the great determination this time to everyone, thank you for your cooperation and understanding of everyone understanding.
Recovery as soon as possible, We wish.