Microsoft (MS) has given the first true outline of what its next Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) website browsing software will do. The software giant intends to focus on security, further 'ease of use' adjustments and unspecified web development improvements.

These key principals appear to hold a lot in common with IE7, which had a similar outline prior to its introduction last year. Interestingly though, MS is keen to improve upon standards by correctly adhering to the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) 2.1 specification.

Standardisation of HTML5 and XHTML version 1 and 1.1 are also mentioned as part of the wider approach. Typically it's too early for further specifics, although the targeted release date is two years after IE7's introduction. Keeping with this, we should expect IE8 in October 2008.

Meanwhile rivals Firefox and Opera will have ample time to perform another jump over the worlds most used website browser.