Google ousts Microsoft at government Web site

The Illinois General Assembly Web site keyword search is now being powered by the Google Search Appliance, instead of by a Microsoft-based product. “Faced with numerous complaints about its Web site, the state recently agreed to pay $30,000 to Google Inc. to take over the searching capabilities on the General Assembly’s Web site”, according to QCTimes.

A prominent note on The Illinois General Assembly Home Page states “Note: A new search engine has been implemented” and leads to instructions on how to search at the site with the Google application.

While the $30,000 fee the Illinois government is paying Google to power its search is small change for the $112 billion market cap Google, a victory over Microsoft is, undoubtedly, priceless.

Will the Google Search Appliance continue to displace Microsoft applications? Join the conversation: “Talk Back” below to share your projections.