Microsoft Revs Up New Search Engine
Microsoft said it will soon offer a search engine that is better, faster and more curious than previous versions.
The beta version debuts at Microsoft’s www.Live.com on March 8. The beta, and a revision expected in a few months, will challenge market leader Google, said Microsoft Search Senior Product Manager Justin Osmer.
Microsoft also expects to soon release an updated version of Live.com and a Windows Live Toolbar beta on March 8.
The Live.com search engine has high expectations, and arrives at a time when search market leader Google appears to be vulnerable to challenges after several financial hiccups as the Internet search market continues to grow rapidly.
Also, at a recent public appearance, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates promised a search engine from Microsoft that “more than matches” Google’s.
“To say we’ll get to overall number one in a few months is a bit bold,” Microsoft Search’s Osmer said during an interview. “But, maybe we’ll be number one in some market metrics.”
Osmer said local search and relevancy, a measure of the sharpness of a search engine’s results, are areas Microsoft could soon lead