QUESTION: Question: One of our employees discovered that our web page produced a strange result when viewed through one of the newest browsers. Our marketing department was very concerned because the page looked bad and reflected poorly on the bank. Is there anything we can do to ensure consistency for customers who are viewing our website using different browsers?
ANSWER: Different browsers do display pages differently because each browser uses its own unique method for translating html code (the markup language Web pages are generally coded in). Not only can it result in pages displaying attractively in some browsers, while looking "messed up" in others, but it can also result in text and graphics not being visible, in some cases.
This is a very frustrating problem, especially for marketing departments who are used to working with print mediums. If your institution is not careful, the problem can also create unwitting issues for your compliance area. If mandatory signage, like FDIC or Equal Housing Lender logos, do not appear correctly on your Web site because of a browser issue, you could be out
of compliance.
Here is a great site for learning more about the technical aspects of browser differences: Netmechanic
The key to ensuring that your pages looks the way you intend it to look is to decide upon which browsers your pages should support and then to rigorously test your pages using those browsers. While this can be a time consuming task, there are tools available that can help. Netmechanic, http://www.netmechanic.com/browser-index.htm for example, provides a service that allows you to view you Web pages in different browsers and on different operating systems.
Ignoring browser differences can be costly, both in terms of your banks reputation and with respect compliance risks.
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