Microsoft IE8 increases browser's market share by 30%

Microsoft IE 8

After launching the new Internet Explorer 8 on Thursday, Microsoft Corp. has already received a small boost in web browser market share, according to Web measurement company Net Applications Inc.

IE8's market share averaged 1.63% for the day Thursday from noon Eastern time onward -- when Microsoft posted the new browser for download -- a 21% increase over March's daily average of 1.35% through Wednesday.

Net Applications posted hourly market share numbers for IE8 on its Web site.

The browser's share climbed again today, to an hourly average of 1.75% through 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, bringing IE8's total increase to 30% over the month's daily average.

"I was a little surprised that there wasn't any advanced warning," said Vince Vizzaccaro, Net Applications' executive vice president of marketing about Microsoft's low-key launch.