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Boo Hoo: Microsoft CEO Doesn't Like Being Second in Search Battle

Posted 09/29/08 at 01:05:25 PM  by Paul Lilly

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There's a major disappointment resonating from Redmond, and really, you're the only one that can do anything about it. you see, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer doesn't like "not being No. 1," but that's exactly the position his company takes in the search arena. If that's to change - and Ballmer believes Microsoft may be the only company with a fighting chance - he says it will take several more years and lots of cash.

It's going to take us a while," Ballmer said during a speech at the Churchhill Club. "It's a five-year task. We've got a lot to do."

Ballmer went on to say that the Microsoft will have to figure out a way to fundamentally change both the experience and economics of the search industry, claiming his company has "taken some steps in that direction." Of course, we're sure Google would have a different outlook, but ultimately it's you, the web searcher, who decides the outcome. So if you refuse to use Live Search because it sucks compared to Google, at least consider switching so Ballmer can sleep more soundly at night at not having to be not No. 1.

Image Credit: Despair.com

COMMENTS:4
TAGS: microsoft, Software, Google, search, steve ballmer
COMMENTS
avatarcuring search disease with an injection of pure cash

Submitted by c8503 on Tue, 10/21/2008 - 1:05pm

Google is #1 because of its people who consistently find game-chaning innovation in internet software. They support their (evidently) intelligent people by being the #1 company to work for, based in possibly the most beautiful part of the most successful nation in the world. Microsofts "plan" is to unseat them by injecting money into the situation, and (until recently?) to acquire the quickly-failing competition.

This simultaneously sounds like the stupidest plan for achieving their goal and exactly the kind of thinking that Microsoft continues to employ on regular basis ("You'll love Vista or we'll make you love it"). Until Microsoft starts looking at ways to pick off revenue streams in different ways, with different pay-off models for advertising clients or website holders, or even by simply rennovating their firm/culture in a way that they can pick off Google's people if they are really looking to up their search algorithim & server organization, they're always going to be extra-spicy failsauce.

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avatar25 yr task!

Submitted by mattyk1822 on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 12:26pm

A 25 year timeline is more realistic.  MS isn't even close to being #2.

 http://www.comscore.com/press/release.asp?press=2476

 

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avatarAhhhh my cheeks are still

Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 12:03pm

Ahhhh my cheeks are still wet from tears for poor Mr. Ballmer. For the love of god we have to do this for Ballmer.

Come on it's just a search engine. Use Live Search it won't hurt and you'll be helping Ballmer.

God won't you please use Live Search?

Don't be so stuck up. Use Live Search. It may eventually get you what you need but in the mean time you'll be helping Mr. Ballmer.

How can you sleep at night knowing that Mr. Ballmer is in so much pain? Give Live search a chance won't you.

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avatarI think you just broke my

Submitted by jwalch.hawk on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 9:05pm

I think you just broke my sarcas-o-meter....

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