Microsoft Marks the First Live Point Against Google

In the perpetual face-off with Google, Microsoft managed to mark its first point. And it is a point designed to contribute to eroding Google's dominance over Internet search. As Google has become increasingly synonymous with Internet search, Microsoft has seen its search share diminish during 2006. The release of Live Search contributed nothing to budging Microsoft's search share from its descendant trajectory. But it seems that in 2007, things are really turning around for the Redmond Company. According to data provided by Nielsen//NetRatings, in January 2007, MSN/Windows Live Search accounted for 8.9% of search share.

The combined share of MSN and Windows Live Search has stopped its decrease and even managed to gain a few percentages back. After Google has received a $1 billion blow delivered by Viacom over the YouTube content, the Mountain View Company will lose search ground because of a new agreement that Microsoft has announced together with Lenovo.

In this context, all ThinkPad notebooks, ThinkCentre desktops and Lenovo-branded PCs world-wide will be delivered with pre-loaded Windows Live services. This way, Lenovo becomes the world's first PC manufacturer that will integrate the Windows Live services on its machines. Through the agreement, all computers will have Windows Live as the default home page and Windows Live Toolbar will also be pre-installed.

"Building strong partnerships is a key element of the Windows Live strategy," said Steve Berkowitz, senior vice president of the Online Services Group at Microsoft. "Working with a globally scaled PC maker like Lenovo, we can help millions of people worldwide use Windows Live services to connect to the people and information they care about most."

"Live Search and Microsoft's other Windows Live services help our customers work more effectively, whether they are a CIO, road warrior or small-business owner," said Steve Petracca, vice president and general manager of Lenovo's Software and Peripherals business unit. "Lenovo will use these services to further strengthen its relationships with customers worldwide by delivering useful PC updates, tools and information through a new portal. Microsoft shares our passion for innovation, and today's announcement enhances how we support all activities conducted on Lenovo PCs."