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There's a scenario that most every Apple aficionado has run into: A Web site that, when visited via Apple's Safari Web browser, just doesn't work. If it's just a handy site, failure is irritating. When it's an important site, perhaps even a critical federally managed site, a Safari failure can incite real anger, especially when the error report indicates the site is "optimized" for Microsoft Internet Explorer. Shouldn't government sites be open to all browsers? Aren't sites supposed to be built on basic Web standards?
I actually work for the state of Ohio and can tell you that the new Medicaid system being implemented by their vendor EDS is accessible only with Windows and Internet Explorer 6.x. The funny thing is that the state's RFP indicated they wanted a system that was browser agnostic.
EDS replied that, yes, their system is accessible with any browser that uses Active X controls. Well, the only browser that meets that criteria is IE for Windows. Somehow, they still got the bid. I have raised many red flags over this, only to be either ignored or told that "EDS assures us it isn't a big deal" They've done the same system for Oklahoma, Kentucky, Texas and Florida to name a few.
So, when a citizen or provider wishes to access the new Ohio Medicaid system, they better have Windows and IE6. Stupid government thinking.
EDS replied that, yes, their system is accessible with any browser that uses Active X controls. Well, the only browser that meets that criteria is IE for Windows. Somehow, they still got the bid. I have raised many red flags over this, only to be either ignored or told that "EDS assures us it isn't a big deal" They've done the same system for Oklahoma, Kentucky, Texas and Florida to name a few.
So, when a citizen or provider wishes to access the new Ohio Medicaid system, they better have Windows and IE6. Stupid government thinking.
