According the Computing Technology Industry Association Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the most influential technology product of the past 25 years.

Microsoft products claimed four of the top five spots in the poll of "information technology industry professionals".

Apple's iPod, one of the most successful consumer electronics products in history, is the only non-Microsoft product to crack the top five.

Internet Explorer was selected as the most influential product of the past quarter-century by 66% of the people surveyed, which was all of 471 in total.

Microsoft Word, came second, Microsoft Windows 95 came third. Tied for fourth place on the list was the Apple iPod and Microsoft Excel, at 49% each.

RIM's BlackBerry, Adobe Photoshop and - McAfee VirusScan - came in next.

"A total of 471 individuals participated in the CompTIA survey, which was conducted in May and June."