Menu
Microsoft, Yahoo deal: why you stand to lose

Microsoft, Yahoo deal: why you stand to lose

Of the Microsoft, Yahoo search deal, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says "Both companies benefit from scale and better economics. Consumers really will get better products." That second part? Highly debatable, says CIO.com's Shane O'Neill in this opinion piece.

He may be right about the first part; but the second part is debatable.

What consumers will get now is a two-horse race and limited choice. Bing's search engine has been getting solid reviews; it does offer a more organized user interface than Google and was able to slightly increase Microsoft's search share in its debut month. But how much will it really improve with the addition of Yahoo's search? What's worse, integrating the two could be a time-consuming and complicated mess, creating a "more is less" scenario.

The bottom line here: most people are comfortable Googling. Google is deeply entrenched in the hearts and minds of users. It may take awhile for the Microsoft/Yahoo partnership to be put into practice. The deal still has to get the green light from regulators, which could take months. Expect Google to raise a stink as well. Both Microsoft and Yahoo said they hope to close the deal in early 2010 .

Is there any good news for users in the deal? Google will be facing a more formidable foe that will slowly steal market share (keyword: slowly). The search king will likely be challenged and will innovate, creating better search to stay on top.

It could take two years, but the Microsoft/Yahoo partnership could awaken a renewed sense of urgency in Google, famous for its unrushed "beta" apps and features.

But right now this looks like a money grab for two wounded tech giants, not better search for you and me.

Are you a Tweeter? Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/smoneill. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter at twitter.com/CIOonline.

Join the CIO New Zealand group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags MicrosoftYahoo

More about etworkGoogleMicrosoftYahoo

Show Comments