This comes up every here and there, but Microsoft and Yahoo are in talks about an acquisition or merger to the tune of $50 billion. It would be a way for the companies to challenge Google.
There’s a good discussion on Forbes as to whether or not this will really help Microsoft in the search engine game, at which they have been most decidedly lacking. Their feeling is that Microsoft is just too cautious to catch up to Google.
While lots of people are speculating about this, the talks may no longer be active. However, other sites are reporting it as active, so it’s very hard to say exactly what is going on with this. I’m seeing stories still discussing this as a current thing on Bloomberg, for example.
If this happens, it’s going to be important for webmasters to keep an eye on it and see where they take this. It could mean a lot. It could only make a small difference. It really depends on how the two companies work together.
For one thing, they would have much more online advertising power, so it might just be possible for them to compete with Google. It’s the fastest way for them to have a chance at leveling that playing field.
But for webmasters, having fewer companies running the bulk of search is not necessarily promising. Right now if you don’t rank in Google there are still two more search engines you might be getting results from. Depending on how closely knit the two companies become, it might cut down the number of possibilities.
Then again, if the two improve their search capabilities, it could be good, especially if each has a slightly different focus. Each search engine attracts a slightly different demographic right now. It would be interesting to see if they could manage something to improve things for their demographics. I don’t think that would be too easy, but it’s one of those things to consider.
No one really knows, of course, what would happen if these two companies do merge. But it’s sure to generate a lot of speculation.
[tag]microsoft yahoo merger,acquisition,search engines,msn[/tags]
