64-bit Web browser technology is still in the earliest stages of adoption. IT departments must recognize that the technology has not reached critical mass in either consumer or enterprise markets. As an integrated solution, an ability to interact with other applications and controls is what determines a browser's functionality.
For Internet Explorer's 64-bit browser (IE x64), this interaction is cut short by incompatibilities, making it an inadequate tool for enterprise users. However, external audiences (e.g., customers) will increasingly begin using IEx64. For many consumer-targeted 64-bit Vista PCs it is the default browser. IT must understand how its growing use will adversely affect the enterprise.