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Apple’s distribution tactic of its Safari web browser for Windows last Tuesday has created a raucous when CEO of rival Mozilla posted on his blog that what Apple did was wrong. Mozilla CEO John Lilly criticized Apple’s move to push the Safari 3.1 Windows browser through its software updater pop-up. The software updates gives users the option whether to install the Safari browser along with the iTunes software.

The problem is not so much on whether users want to install the Safari web browser. But rather on the way Apple gave the option – that is having the install box checked by default. For Mr. Lilly this is wrong and even calls it a malware distribution practice.

“
It’s wrong because it undermines the trust that we’re all trying to build with users. Because it means that an update isn’t just an update, but is maybe something more. Because it ultimately undermines the safety of users on the web by eroding that relationship. It’s a bad practice and should stop,” said Lilly.

I couldn’t help but understand Mr. Lilly’s reaction to what apple did. Imagine if not all users are mindful enough of that option to install. How many would bother to uncheck that box anyway?  For Apple it’s just one of their ways of making it easy for users to get the latest update from Apple, but for Mozilla, it’s an unfair and uncompetitive practice.

But in the end, the decision still lies with the users. Even if users would not uncheck the install box, they would still have the option to continue with the installation of the Safari browser as the software updater runs along. I think Apple was just employing some guerrilla tactics in trying to push its product. Mozilla can counter this with a guerrilla tactic of their own, unless they run out of good ideas.

Via [CNET] Read [John’s Blog]