This may be interpreted in a variety of ways. Using incentives to push Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Live Search will undoubtedly generate criticism that the Redmond Company is taking advantage of its monopoly on the operating system market to push Microsoft Service Credits for Web Search. The fact of the matter is that Microsoft has been losing ground on both the browser and the search markets. The Microsoft Service Credits for Web Search incentive program is a strategy aimed at breathing new life into the company's search and browser businesses.

"Employees search the web daily with tools from Google, Microsoft, or Yahoo. OEMs and web sites are already earning credits based on searches that their users bring. Now, your organization can earn credits for Microsoft web searches and redeem them for Microsoft or preferred partner deployment and training services. More searches earns more credits towards the services you value," reads a fragment of the Microsoft Service Credits for Web Search PowerPoint presentation via Searchblog.

As of now, the offer is limited only to companies with over 5,000 computers. Microsoft expects to pay up from $2 to 10$ per PC per year in accordance with the usage of the Redmond Company's web search services.

In this regard, Microsoft offered two examples of service credit. "Company A: 10,000 enrolled PCs, high Microsoft web search usage: $120,000/year. Company B: 50,000 enrolled PCs, moderate Microsoft web search usage: $200,000/year."

Businesses will be able to benefit from these kickbacks announced by Microsoft only if they deploy and use Internet Explorer 7 in conjunction with Windows Live Search. The Microsoft Service Credits for Web Search has three levels, and incentives will be earned according to these flavors: low, moderate and high.