It wants to take on Google and Yahoo
Windows Live Search will replace MSN Search, Microsoft's current search engine, in 47 markets worldwide and 23 languages; it has been available for months in a test version.
Microsoft's market share in Web search is on the slide, ranking third behind Google and Yahoo Inc. The company had 9.6% of the market in July, down from 11% in January, according to Nielsen/NetRatings. In comparison, Google and Yahoo picked up market share during that period.
"I feel confident that we can gain share," said Derrick Connell, general manager of Microsoft's search business unit.
Microsoft said it aims to improve the search experience by allowing for refined queries and by presenting results on a new user-friendly interface.
A few years ago, Microsoft had no search engine of its own and no clear strategy regarding Web advertising. Meanwhile, Google and Yahoo have made multibillion-dollar businesses of search-related advertising.
Since then, Microsoft has become serious about grabbing a larger piece of the $15 billion U.S. market for Internet advertising with an overhauled Web presence under its new Windows Live brand.
A main component of the Internet revamp is Windows Live Search, which has a new look and offers features such as easier browsing of searched images, suggestions of related links and a scratch pad to allow users to store pictures and information.
Microsoft is also launching a Web page at
Windows Live, which users can customize with news from various sources, weather and links to e-mail.
The company also said it will offer a mapping service called Windows Live Local Search in the U.S. and Britain.
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