SARS eFiling will move away from Adobe Flash... Finally embracing Open Standards! The announcement comes after users on newer browsers, including Chrome, experienced difficulties in submitting their tax returns online. The eFiling website, while easy-to-use and effective, has been built to be “optimally viewed in Internet Explorer versions 8+ browsers”, and requires the “latest version of Adobe Flash player and Adobe Reader”. Web browsers such as Chrome often block Flash by default, and big local companies – including DStv and Ster-Kinekor – have moved away from the technology when it comes to their online properties. A reason for ditching Flash is its vulnerability to exploits and attacks. “The SARS ICT strategy is to move away from proprietary technologies like Adobe Flash, which is currently required to view our forms, and has adopted HTML5 as the standard for its electronic channels going forward,” said SARS. “This will allow eFiling to be device and browser compatible as far as possible, while strengthening security. The implementation of this strategy has become a priority for SARS.” A long overdue move. Not only was Flash proprietary and insecure, open standards such as HTML5 are fully cross platform and mobile friendly. Open Standards should be non-negotiable for government departments, and in fact within South Africa, our government has since the late 2000's had an approved Minimum Interoperability Standard. See http://ift.tt/2v3Pn7w
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