There has been a lot of negative press surrounding Internet Explorer. This week, Google sent an email to Google Apps administrators explaining their intentions to phase out support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0. Just last month, French and German governments asked citizens to stop using the Internet Explorer browser (no matter the version). Yes, there is even a blog titled "Why IE Sucks." (Parental discretion advised).

We’re of mixed opinion on the matter. Do we believe people should dump Internet Explorer? Yes! In fact, I outline three reasons why below. At the same time, due to subpar browsers like Internet Explorer, the value of cross-browser functional testing using Selenium is that much more important and relevant. Call it job security for testers.

I have no secret reason to pan Internet Explorer. I work closely with all browser flavors including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera. Though I am a former Googler, I have no built-in bias to push one browser over another. And even though I recommend users not use IE, Sauce Labs supports and will continue to support IE in our downloadable products, Sauce IDE and Sauce RC, and our cloud testing service, Sauce OnDemand. With that context, here are three reasons why I feel you should dump Internet Explorer.