In an effort to combat internet mogul Google, Microsoft launched their own search platform, dubbed Bing, this past weekend. The effort marks Microsoft’s second attempt at dethroning the incumbent Google, after Windows Live Search failed to make a dent in Google’s majority control of market share. (Read up on Microsoft’s past blunders with Windows Live, and other flawed product launches)
According to an article from the Information Week website, Google controls over 60% percent of the market share in comparison to Microsoft’s lowly 8%. Microsoft can’t even stake a claim to second place on that list, which belongs to Yahoo at 21%. After getting toasted by Apple advertisements against their latest product, Windows Vista, Microsoft seems to be taking a stab at a different kind of market; that of the millions of dollars companies pour into search engine related advertising.
While Microsoft can be commended for their David vs. Goliath type crusade against Google, I believe this venture will be placed in the same recycling bin as Windows Live Search. Google is hands down the best at what they do. The company has vice grip on the market, and was successfully able to turn company name into a verb synonymous with attaining information. (How many times a day does the phrase “Google it” get used in your office?) Microsoft is once again biting a bigger piece then their company can chew. Google’s audience data is so comprehensive, easy to use, and dare I say fun; that I don’t ever see another company dethroning them.
Acknowledging this dominance, Microsoft has even purchased “Sponsored Link” space on Google in an effort to promote Bing. Now, when you type in “Windows Live” in Google, the first sponsored link is Bing. If promoting your own product on your new product on your competitors platform is a sign that Microsoft knows its fighting an extremely uphill battle.
Only time will tell whether Bing is able to make a splash in the Google infested waters of internet search engines. Unfortunately for Microsoft, I think they’re going to need a bigger boat.
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