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Microsoft's Bing launches better Firefox integration amid Google-Mozilla renewal talk

This Firefox with Bing comes just a few weeks before Mozilla's search deal with Google is set to expire.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Mozilla wants to diversify its search revenue base from Google. Microsoft's Bing wants more market share. Enter some integration that may move the needle for both parties.

In a short blog post, Microsoft said it worked with Mozilla to launch Firefox with Bing. In a nutshell, this version of Firefox has the default settings for Bing and the user won't have to change anything to use Microsoft's search engine.

Will this effort move the needle for Mozilla and Microsoft goals? It's unclear, but Firefox with Bing certainly can't hurt.

Keep in mind this Firefox with Bing comes just a few weeks before Mozilla's search deal with Google is set to expire. Hmm.

Mozilla generated $21.7 million in 2010, down from $26.5 million in 2009. Total revenue and support for 2010 was $123.2 million, up from $104.3 million, according to its annual report. Most of that revenue derived from search deals.

In an FAQ, Mozilla noted that “we have every confidence that search partnerships will remain a solid generator of revenue for Mozilla for the foreseeable future.” Mozilla also touted search deals with Bing, Yahoo, Yandex, Amazon, Ebay and others, but the reality is most users go with Google. Microsoft's Bing with Firefox partnership aims to shift that equation a bit.

Related: Mozilla bets on fundraising to diversify Google revenue

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