Microsoft and Yahoo Discussing Search Partnership

An anonymous reader writes "The Guardian reports that Microsoft and Yahoo are talking about a search engine partnership as they desperately try to come up with something, anything, to take on Google. 'Although there is no suggestion that Microsoft's failed bid will be resurrected, the two companies are believed to be discussing ways they can link up to combat the growing power of their chief rival, Google. Quoting sources close to the discussions, the authoritative Dow Jones All Things Digital blog said that "the talks between the pair are preliminary and wide-ranging."'"

Comments

Last! Ummm... wait...

[Jane Q. Public]

that doesn't work, does it?

Anyway, Google started with a search methodology that was dreamed up by two guys in their spare time. Obviously, it was a good one. Still, seems to me that Microsoft and Yahoo, with all their money and competent programmers, simply need to come up with a better one. Otherwise, what else can they bring to the table?

I doubt it will work

[Choozy]

Google is now synomonous with the internet. It would take an amazing search engine to be able to topple Google's power.

Re:I doubt it will work

[Jurily]

Google is now synomonous with the internet.

Just a quick test: you google something, and nothing comes up. Is your first thought "I need to try another search site" or "I need to check my search terms"?

Re:I doubt it will work

[bit01]

That really depends on what one happens to be searching for. In a lot of cases, yes, it means "I need to try another search engine".

Every now and then I try other search engines just to make sure I'm not missing anything. They always fail because they:

1. are too slow.
2. are overloaded with advertising drivel.
3. don't find what I'm looking for.
4. find too many things I'm not looking for.
5. cover a uselessly small domain.
6. don't allow expressive search expressions.
7. make elementary interface errors.
8. confuse trendiness with usefulness.

Sometimes all eight. And lets not forget all the internal search engines such as slashdot's. I've yet to come across even a single one that wasn't designed by people with the IQ's of gerbils.

---

Any large public or private organisation paying recurring, per-seat licensing for software is being economically stupid.

Why MS cant compete effectively

[Froze]

MS motive: Make money by throwing large amounts of MS branded crap (with some useful stuff) at you and hope your willing to pay to have it cleaned up so you can keep the bits you like.

Google motive: Make money by throwing large amounts of information at you with some of revenue targeted information you may be interested in.

Until MS turns it model around and starts giving people what they want first and then cashing in on that association, they won't beat the trend that Google has going, unless Google turns around and start sending you crap first.

Re:first post

[Samschnooks]

You misspelled it - it's frist pospt! God!

You see, it's a technique. It takes years of practice. First, you drink a shit load of caffeine. Then, after it gets in your system, you bring up Slashdot. Then, and only then, you get in touch with your inner self, connect with the Universe, and connect with your higher power as you see Him.

Now, type blindingly fast "First Post". Hopefully, it will come out fist5 posts. See how I did that?

Again.

firsyt posts.

See?

Now, you try.

Re:Last! Ummm... wait...

[religious freak]

That's what I love about IT. All the money in the world won't necessarily beat a persistent and smart person.

Even if you tie two rocks together, it doesn't mean they'll float. MS and Yahoo need to look into R&D, not merger - this move makes no sense.