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Google will more than likely extend its dominance in the search market over the next few years, as Microsoft and Yahoo are left to think about how best to catch up, search guru Danny Sullivan said Friday at the Search Insider Summit in Park City, Utah.
"Google is more powerful than it's ever been, and it's probably going to stay that way," said Sullivan, founder of Search Engine Land. He added that over the next few years Yahoo Search would "get consolidated in some way"--probably an acquisition by Microsoft, which would continue to try but ultimately fail to catch up with Google.
In fact, things just got worse for the software giant, Sullivan noted, as it was revealed Thursday that Microsoft SVP Brian McAndrews was leaving the company. McAndrews, a champion of display, was overlooked for Microsoft's top digital position, which went to former Yahoo Search head Qi Lu instead. "I took (the departure of McAndrews) as a huge negative," said Sullivan, because display was supposed to be Microsoft's strength.
With Lu in charge, and with the recent hire of Sean Suchter, another former Yahoo Search executive, Microsoft is clearly moving toward search and away from display. Do these appointments indicate that Microsoft is getting ready to buy Yahoo Search? Maybe, but Sullivan noted that Microsoft would be left with the considerable challenge of integrating yet another online brand. "Without Microsoft having clarification on its own brands," Sullivan said, "the idea of merging with Yahoo--it's just a lot of mess."
Moreover, Sullivan remains unconvinced that Microsoft has the right approach to search. Whereas Google got into the search game because it wanted to help people find what they're looking for, Microsoft simply treats search as a means to generate online advertising revenue. He implied that there doesn't seem to be a real commitment to making Live Search a better product.
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1. What kind of a genius writes a title and forecasts "Google Likely to Stay on Top in Search", Duh and double Dah..you are quoting Danny Sullivan as a source for this. Wow, what a claim:-)
2. Microsoft is certainly the most fierce competior in the tech and media business. Which part of it's strategy does it says that it is not focusing on Display? None. It owns and operates some of the most visited sites and has a formidable top sites based publisher network for display advertising. Not to even mention MSN, forget about it Danny Boy - stick to search! BM is leaving because he has made enough money and wants to focus on other stuff.
3. Acquiring Powerset, investing hundreds of millions in making Live better, and now hiring two of the smartest guys in the search tech business. Danny and you call that not focused on quality of user experience? What kind of Microsoft hate based crack are you smoking?
4. Microsoft cares more than you can ever imagine about the quality of it's search results, that is why is not forcing ads on all search results. It actually has a better ad matching technology than you can think of. It's just that it's search query is down due to a lack of perception or of smart guys like you knocking them down.
5. Google just laid off 20,000 contractors, they were more than likely techs. That is what I call focused on short term financial strength, right? Not. Google only makes money on ads, and that's it. Microsoft is positioned much stronger, Xbox anyone, server software anyone? Who is positioned better, C'mon Danny who would you bet on?
6. Persistent power, Microsoft has proven over and over again, being #1 at the start is not the only way to win. It's the will to win that counts.
Now, with all of the attention that I am giving Microsoft, you would think I am an executive there - drinking their cool aid. Not true, I live in Seattle and know a lot of people who work there, they are super smart and focused. They may move slowly as far product/feature launches, but I would never count them out. They know how to win.