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Topic: Microsoft

Microsoft search share continues its slow upward crawl

Summary: The October comScore numbers are in and Microsoft has inched upward for another month with its Bing search engine. Bing's growth came at Yahoo's -- not Google's -- expense, however.

Mary Jo Foley

By for All About Microsoft |

The October comScore numbers are in and Microsoft has inched upward for another month with its Bing search engine.

In October, Bing reached 9.9 percent, in terms of percentage share of U.S. searches. Bing hit 9.4 percent in September, comScore's data indicates.

Bing's growth came at Yahoo's -- not Google's -- expense, however. According to comScore, Yahoo was down to 18.0 percent share in October, from 18.8 percent in September. Meanwhile, Google's U.S. search share rose to 65.4 in October,from 64.9 in September, based on comScore's data.

In October, Microsoft began rolling out a number of enhancements to Bing, culminating in a bigger "2.0" fall refresh last week. If Microsoft's search game plan is built on the idea of growing share substantially by combining forces with Yahoo, Yahoo's continuing share loss is looking less and less likely to shore up that plan.

Topics: Microsoft, Mobility, Social Enterprise

About

Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and Web sites, and is a frequent guest on radio, TV and podcasts, speaking about all things Microsoft-related. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the post-Gates era (John Wiley & Sons, 2008).

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55 comments
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  • Google is impossible to beat

    At this point, unless something absolutely
    traumatic was to happen to Google, I dont see
    any change from the status quo for a while.

    It will certainly take much more than a
    Yahoo/MSFT combo thats for sure...

    Onuora
    http://www.windows7update.com
    http://www.windows8update.com
    Ammalgam
    Reply Vote

    • MS is grasping at straws & patents

      Once they lose patents it is GAME over for
      Windows.

      Plus, people like Google and Chrome OS
      will be a hit, Google has top talent and
      use Open_Source technologies that are
      innovative, secure and FAST.
      Use_More_OIL_NOW
      Reply Vote

      • Good to hear.....

        My company was running on 99.99999999% uptime and I am looking for a few more nines to notch up there and Windows just isn't cutting it and I need more nines. Thats all they say is we want to see more nines. Thank you Google you have rescued our business from the depths of deficient nines. Thank god. Too bad the only problem system in our shop is that damn Linux NAS system. I just laugh every time it decides that I should reboot it, but hey we got Google now so no more problems ever.
        OhTheHumanity
        Reply Vote

        • ROFL (nt)

          .
          Real World
          Reply Vote

        • LOL....nt

          nt
          TheBottomLineIsAllThatMatters
          Reply Vote

      • Chrome OS will be a hit...LOL

        But regardless here is a gift for you:
        <br />
        <br />
        <a style="font-size:24px; font-weight:bold; color:pink; text-decoration:blink; border:5px dotted lime; padding:8px; margin:4px;" href="http://www.zombo.com" target="_blank">Its like fun, for Linux fanboys</a>
        <br />
        <br />
        Raid6
        Reply Vote

      • Open source is innovative?

        Where? Show me please!
        The one and only, Cylon Centurion
        Reply Vote

      • How Google is different.

        Google has the magical ability (and is smart enough) to give with both hands and take nothing in return. They are proud of their privacy policy and make very clear that they will not violate it.

        MS, on the other hand relies on all inclusive (and deceptive terminology) to take with both hands and give virtually nothing back.

        If you are satisfied with the bing results, you should really try and figure out what MS is doing to your privacy without telling you.
        Joe.Smetona
        Reply Vote

    • Well, not impossible, but, MS will have a hard time attracting the talent

      necessary to really challenge Google.

      The funniest thing is that it took Microsoft
      YEARS to figure out that people really do not
      want a cluttered screen when they are searching.
      And, it appears that Bing is only taking share
      from Yahoo.
      DonnieBoy
      Reply Vote

      • At the rate that Google's been losing top notch talent

        these last few years, it may be easier then we think!
        SoSueMeThen
        Reply Vote

      • Top notch talent wans money and opportunity

        With MS stock stuck in a ditch, they would have to pay dearly to get top talent, if said talent is willing to be a part of Microsoft at all. They'd rather be part of the next big thing, not warm a chair at yesterdays news. And what does the world look like for MS departments that fail to achieve their missions? Ask the good folks over at Zune.
        HollywoodDog
        Reply Vote

        • So its all about tomorrow's next big thing?

          I just don't buy that, as you know Microsoft still profits billions every quarter and I am sure that if Microsoft makes the right negotiations they can bring on top talent no problem. Its not like these developers get any recognition for their work, its all behind the seens. So I could imagine that if Microsoft offers up the best deal for a developer they will come on board. Sure some won't but there are plenty that would, especially when it comes to giving their families the best life and money and perks are a big thing to most, not just saying you work for Google or whoever.
          OhTheHumanity
          Reply Vote

          • Top talent can afford to be choosy

            and they can get great money anywhere. Other considerations then come in to play, like what will I be working on, what's its chance of success in the marketplace, where can I go from here, etc. Microsoft used to have "golden handcuffs," the stock price appreciating so rapidly that there was nowhere you could make more money. Today the stock price hasn't risen for a decade. And Microsoft's track record at things outside their monopoly - anything - is abysmal.
            HollywoodDog
            Reply Vote

          • Track record?

            Ok so yeah they have some failures just like any other company but they also have big successes and so not sure how you just carpet bomb everything because you have a vindetta against them. Seems to me they have been pretty successful in the enterprise and also with Xbox. And also not everyone thinks exactly like you do so you may want to open your mind a wee bit and not be so arrogant to think you know exactly what top talent thinks. Like I said to some your point is valid, but Microsoft still has some great brands and alot of cash to do some great things so don't be so sure of yourself. Also I am pretty sure its not a monopoly anymore so get with the times. People know the choices out there and why don't you try sending some of that monopoly hate toward the hardware manufacturers that pre-load their OS. Dell and HP both offer Linux, but it just can't take off and so is that Microsoft's fault or Linux's fault? What do you think?
            OhTheHumanity
            Reply Vote

          • Our difference is one of interpretation

            We seem to agree on most of the facts; MS has
            an enormous pile of cash - it's almost a money
            market fund today. They have deeply entrenched
            brands with Windows and Office. As a
            shareholder (which I am) I want to know what
            they've done for me lately. You mention X-Box.
            They have plowed billions in to X-Box which
            will never be recouped. They talk about it
            being profitable, but that means it's
            profitable right now, never mind all those
            billions sunk in to development. It is a money
            loser, and it's not driving the industry.
            Project Natal? You mean that thing Nintendo did
            years ago? And what about the Zune? Their
            saying they meant to turn it in to a set of
            services folded in to their phones is as
            convincing as Pee Wee Herman wiping out on his
            bike and coming up saying "I meant to do that."
            Microsoft is what it is - a boring, staid
            company that does two things well and other
            things not at all well. I don't speak for top
            talent, but they are smart and perceptive and I
            am smart and perceptive and we likely are
            coming to similar conclusions.
            Read the New York Times. "This management" has
            14 months to deliver, or it's going to be six
            months of send-offs and teary sentimental
            videos of Ballmers tenure, then sayonara.
            Just giving you the cold, hard reality bro.
            HollywoodDog
            Reply Vote

          • My take.....

            I understand Microsoft has fumbled the ball over some things and others they have not and actually scored with them. Did you expect Microsoft to come into the video game market and wipe the floor with Playstation? They knew from the beginning it was gonna take alot of cash and resources to compete on that front and they did and it has paid off. Sure they may not be in the black yet, but they built the brand and now they are starting to reap the rewards whether you like it or not. And by the way Natal is not a Wii motion controller and is the only one of its kind on the market so not sure how you compare them. I have a Wii and the controller is nice, but I like the idea of being able to use real props over a static controller that never changes for the game at hand.

            As for the Zune, I actually have the ZuneHD and I think its a great device and the screen is top notch along with the graphics and ease of use. The Zune software also makes itunes look like it was developed in the 90's. I know you haven't tried the software, but maybe you should. I also am a Zune subscriber and I think its an awesome service because I can fully test out any song I want for a few weeks before I decide to credit it or just keep it while subscribed. I have been exposed to many artists and records I had never heard before and I just load them up and decide whether to buy later. If you slapped an Apple logo on those products people would be in love with them, so cut the garbage and realize that cult mentality does exist.

            Its also very tough when Microsoft gets no credit from the media and companies like Apple just get free after free airtime. Sometimes you have to get out of the bubble and see how society really is. One thing can be said that Windows doesn't benefit from the "cool" factor so must be doing something right. I'm not sayign your wrong in your circles, but there is a whole nother world out there, especially outside the US.
            OhTheHumanity
            Reply Vote

          • Um, no

            "They knew from the beginning it was gonna take alot of cash and
            resources to compete on that front and they did and it has paid off."

            Paid off? In what sense? They are still nowhere near recouping their
            initial investment. XBox is a money loser, and always has been. They
            are only profitable if you conveniently ignore all the red in k on the
            balance sheet.

            " but they built the brand and now they are starting to reap the
            rewards whether you like it or not."

            Regardless of whether YOU like it or not, this statement is simply
            misinformed.

            "As for the Zune, I actually have the ZuneHD and I think its a great
            device and the screen is top notch along with the graphics and ease of
            use."

            So?

            "The Zune software also makes itunes look like it was developed in
            the 90's.?

            Um, lipstick and pigs. While the Zune interface may LOOK slick and all
            aeroglassy, in terms of actual usefulness and intuitiveness, it is hardly
            "top-notch."

            "If you slapped an Apple logo on those products people would be in
            love with them, so cut the garbage and realize that cult mentality does
            exist."

            And you know this how? What makes you think yourself qualified to
            speak for me, or any one else? You should take your own advice, cut
            the garbage, and realize that cult mentality cuts both ways.
            That said, please provide ANY supporting evidence that Apple's
            success is due to said "cult mentality"

            "Its also very tough when Microsoft gets no credit"
            Credit for what, exactly?

            "Sometimes you have to get out of the bubble and see how society
            really is."
            Indeed. And you might want to try to reconcile that statement with
            your one about Apple's popularity being due to cult mentality. Just
            saying.

            "One thing can be said that Windows doesn't benefit from the "cool"
            factor..."
            That sure is true.

            "so must be doing something right."
            That, however, does NOT follow. That is like saying that narco
            terrorists live in mansions, so the must be doing something right.

            "I'm not sayign your wrong in your circles, but there is a whole nother
            world out there, especially outside the US."

            "Nother"?
            Really?!?
            SpiritusInMachina
            Reply Vote

          • Thanks.....

            But nothing in your argument is considered much of an argument in my view. Xbox is a good brand now, so who cares if they are still in the red they are now chipping away at that and I think Microsoft can stand to do this with the cash flow they have. Your argument is just weak man and is the same broken record I saw in the last few posts.

            I know the Zune software is impressive because I have shown people that don't have a bias or any kind of skin in the game and they are really impressed with it, so lip stick or not, they like it. And it works mighty fine for me so not sure what your point is, but I don't just go off my own 2 sense and these people care less about the Apple vs. Microsoft tidbits.

            Look man if all you have for an argument is ridicule then it just shows how tiny your brain really is. And sorry you don't like the slang word Nother, but its in your dictionary so suck it up and try again. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nother . Sorry man you jsut failed that rebuttal. Hey guys I can make a point by ridicule how smart of me. You're just like Saul Alinksy. Probably your favorite person too. FAIL.
            OhTheHumanity
            Reply Vote

          • You're Welcome

            "But nothing in your argument is considered much of an argument in
            my view."

            So? Considering how informed you obviously are, your "view" is hardly
            an important consideration

            "Xbox is a good brand now, so who cares if they are still in the red
            they are now chipping away at that and I think Microsoft can stand to
            do this with the cash flow they have."

            You are simply misinformed (or worse, making it up.) On what do you
            base this claim? In fact, since MS STILL loses money on each console
            sold, in an attempt to recoup via software sales, the claim that MS is
            "chipping away" at the red ink has no substantiation AT ALL. If you
            check MS's own published numbers, you might reconsider your
            statements. Then again, maybe not.

            "Your argument is just weak man and is the same broken record I saw
            in the last few posts."

            I suppose this is true, if you consider factually based arguments
            "weak." And perhaps you keep hearing the same replies because you
            keep making the same misinformed statements.

            "I know the Zune software is impressive because I have shown people
            that don't have a bias or any kind of skin in the game and they are
            really impressed with it, so lip stick or not, they like it."

            Software impressions without actual use are irrelevant, so who cares
            what your "people" said? All you are doing is confirming that the
            lipstick looks nice on your pig, not that there is any substance. (Sorta
            like a certain VP candidate cum author.)

            And the iPod interface, which came to the market with almost NO
            preconceptions by ANYONE, is what drove it to the market dominance
            it now enjoys, so I see your "people" and raise you the "market."

            "And it works mighty fine for me so not sure what your point is,"

            I am not surprised that you don't know what my point is, but at least
            you admit your ignorance.

            "but I don't just go off my own 2 sense [sic] and these people care less
            [sic] about the Apple vs. Microsoft tidbits."

            1) the phrase it 2 cents.
            2) the phrase is couldn't care less
            3) This is not a Apple vs. MS argument, so what is your point?
            4) and while we're at it, ellipses only have three dots, not five.
            SpiritusInMachina
            Reply Vote

  • The word "DUUUUUHHHHHHHH" comes to mind. (Thanks Homer S.)

    When a new animal comes on the scene, it pushes out the <b>weaker</b> rivals.

    Unfortunately for everyone else (Yahoo), when a newcomer (Bing) finds itself unable to compete with the top of its niche (Google), it settles for eating its lesser rivals.
    Letophoro
    Reply Vote
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