If you have a website or web application you will probably be asked for your cross-browser compatibility statement. Likewise, if you are a business looking to purchase a new website or web application it is advisable to build a browser compatibility clause into any contracts.
Below is an example Browser compatibility statement, which are free to copy and amend to your requirements. You can also use this as the basis of an Accessibility statement template.
I have also included a very which people / companies purchase new websites and web applications may want to adapt and incorporate into contracts with the web developers / vendors. If these issues are not addressed at the point of purchase it can be difficult and expensive to get them fixed later. There are many stories of large companies commissioning web applications only to find out just before going live that the new web app is not compatible with the web browser they have installed on thousands of end-user desktops. Likewise, many companies have had to defer desktop upgrades as some old web apps would not work in modern browsers.
Web Browser Compatibility & Accessibility Policy for Developers and Application Vendors
Rather than try to maintain long lists of browsers, operating systems, devices and versions we have developed a short and concise customer-centric statement:
Our websites are compatible with all currently supported browser versions from Microsoft, Google, Apple and Firefox on supported versions of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. For older and less popular browsers functionality degrades gracefully, so whereas we may support drag and drop in the latest version of a browser this may degrade into another simpler way to achieve the same outcome in an old browser.
For users who want the best accessibility version for use with screen readers and similar technologies we target a smaller subset because this is where these features are evolving the faster:
Accessibility
Our websites are developed to WCAG AA+ with the latest and previous versions of browsers from Microsoft, Google and Apple on the latest versions and previous versions of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
All web applications must pass WCAG AA+ before going live.
We conduct browser compatibility testing in line with the above parameters before any major updates are released.
A Sample Web Browser Compatibility & Accessibility Requirements Clause for ITT’s and Contracts
Vendors are required to ensure their website/web application conforms to these requirements upon commencement of the service and throughout the period the service is being provided:
The website/web app will be compatible with all currently supported browser versions from Microsoft, Google, Apple and Firefox on supported versions of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. For older and less popular browsers functionality degrades gracefully, so whereas you may support drag and drop in the latest version of a browser this may degrade into another simpler way to achieve the same outcome in an old browser.
Accessibility
The website/web app will conform to WCAG AA+ with the latest and previous versions of browsers from Microsoft, Google and Apple on the latest versions and previous versions of Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Cross-Browser Compatibility Defects
Any compatibility issues will be addressed as software defects in line with the SLA.
Final comments:
If you have any suggested amendments or additions to our Website accessibility policy template or Website Compatibility Statement, please leave a comment below. We would love to update these over time to ensure these templates reflect evolving industry best practice.
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