Silverlight, Chrome, and Insignia

Have you noticed this error when you log in to Insignia from the Chrome browser?

Why the error?

The administrative part of Insignia (the part you use for check out, patron management, etc.) is built on the Silverlight platform. The Chrome browser uses a plug-in called NPAPI to make Silverlight work. In 2013, Chrome announced that it will end support for the NPAPI plug-in this September 2015. You can read their initial announcement here and the follow-up announcement here.

Will Insignia still work after September 2015?

Yes! Insignia will continue to work in Internet Explorer, which makes sense since Silverlight and Internet Explorer are both Microsoft products.

What about the student catalog (OPAC)?

Because it is not built on the Silverlight platform, the catalog will continue working in Chrome, IE, and Firefox.

What’s the takeaway?

After September 2015, you’ll need to use Internet Explorer to access the administrative side of Insignia. You won’t be able to use the Chrome browser because it won’t support Silverlight. The student catalog remains unchanged—you can continue using it in a variety of browsers, including Chrome.

What’s in store for the future?

Insignia (the company) is working to convert their product to HTML5, a format that will work on any browser. They project that it will be done by late 2016.