18 June 2008
Microsoft has revealed the latest move in their plans to close the gap on Google's search dominance.
At some point during Microsoft's fiscal year 2009 - which their website states as being from 1 July, 2008, to 30 June, 2009 - it plans to invest heavily in Europe to improve its Live Search Engine. They plan to open a Search Technology Centre in Europe and, although they are yet to announce their preferred location, several cities are currently being considered for the hub.
In a recent press release Kevin Johnson, Microsoft's President of Platforms and Services Division, said:
"...today Microsoft has 68% reach to internet users throughout Europe through our online assets and strengths in display advertising; however, we're not yet where we'd like to be in search in this critical geography."
Indeed, according to comScore, Google was used for more than 80% of all internet searches made in Europe during April this year, whilst Microsoft and Yahoo! each had less than 5% of the share.
This announcement comes after Yahoo! rejected an offer from Microsoft for their search business and instead teamed up with Google for a joint advertising and online search deal.
The planned Search Technology Centre will be Microsoft's second - in 2005 they established a similar centre in Beijing. The new European venture is set to follow the blueprint of the original as Microsoft strengthens its intent to provide localised search experiences.
Satya Nadells, Microsoft's Senior Vice President of the Search, Portal and Advertising Group, said:
"Searchers have different expectations and experiences in every geography in the world, so we believe it is critical to make deep investments in physical locations in multiple markets to ensure that we're applying the best local expertise to our research and development efforts."
This follows a recent flurry of activity in boosting Microsoft's online presence. Last month, it was announced that Microsoft would offer cash back to people who bought products found through Microsoft search engines and, in January this year, they completed a £1.2billion acquisition of Fast Search, which has its headquarters in Norway.
This European development will complement Microsoft's other work in the continent, with heavy investment announced to expand their DRIVEpm media network by the end of fiscal year 2009.
A new continental pad for Microsoft
Microsoft has revealed the latest move in their plans to close the gap on Google's search dominance.At some point during Microsoft's fiscal year 2009 - which their website states as being from 1 July, 2008, to 30 June, 2009 - it plans to invest heavily in Europe to improve its Live Search Engine. They plan to open a Search Technology Centre in Europe and, although they are yet to announce their preferred location, several cities are currently being considered for the hub.
In a recent press release Kevin Johnson, Microsoft's President of Platforms and Services Division, said:
"...today Microsoft has 68% reach to internet users throughout Europe through our online assets and strengths in display advertising; however, we're not yet where we'd like to be in search in this critical geography."
Indeed, according to comScore, Google was used for more than 80% of all internet searches made in Europe during April this year, whilst Microsoft and Yahoo! each had less than 5% of the share.
This announcement comes after Yahoo! rejected an offer from Microsoft for their search business and instead teamed up with Google for a joint advertising and online search deal.
The planned Search Technology Centre will be Microsoft's second - in 2005 they established a similar centre in Beijing. The new European venture is set to follow the blueprint of the original as Microsoft strengthens its intent to provide localised search experiences.
Satya Nadells, Microsoft's Senior Vice President of the Search, Portal and Advertising Group, said:
"Searchers have different expectations and experiences in every geography in the world, so we believe it is critical to make deep investments in physical locations in multiple markets to ensure that we're applying the best local expertise to our research and development efforts."
This follows a recent flurry of activity in boosting Microsoft's online presence. Last month, it was announced that Microsoft would offer cash back to people who bought products found through Microsoft search engines and, in January this year, they completed a £1.2billion acquisition of Fast Search, which has its headquarters in Norway.
This European development will complement Microsoft's other work in the continent, with heavy investment announced to expand their DRIVEpm media network by the end of fiscal year 2009.
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