As noted in Silicon.com, recent Nielsen/NetRatings research indicates that some 76 percent of Web surfers are using applications other than browsers as part of their surfing experience, with instant messaging utilities and media players dominating the additional mix. This stat is misleading in that it's being used to imply that people are abandoning browser content in droves. Nothing seems to be futher from the truth. With more stable modern technology we're seeing an era in which multitasking devices - and content lifestyles - are the norm, with browser-based content a keystone of that mix. The statistics also do not address what's going on in professional circles, where IM is an important factor in some areas such as finance and sales, but largely not a factor yet in many work environments. The key factor for moving beyond the browser is the emergence of XML as a more universal data format. XML has opened the way for content and associated services to be presented in any number of convenient applications via network connections. With peer-to-peer connectivity and publishing becoming an emphasis for content generation and distribution, XML will enable sophisticated publishing by individuals to individuals with fewer server components in the mix. Add in improving desktop and portable search capabilities pasting together a far more personalized view of the content universe experienced by individuals and the Web begins to grow some pretty interesting threads. But even with all of these factors, a browser or browser-like standard framework for content will be the norm for many years to come.