After several recent takeover attempts,
Microsoft is now exploring a partnership with
Yahoo which will result in having a true 'number 2' to
Google in the search engine space. Buy taking a minority stake in the company and buying Yahoo's search business unit, Microsoft would find itself in a better position to compete with the aforementioned search giant. It's all well and nice to think that Microsoft can buy Yahoo's search business and then steal additional share from Google on top of it - yet, I think it's easier said that done. Google is, without question, the search 'destination brand' and through a series of desktop applications, their online partner network and reach through various channels and applications (including wireless), Google will not be easily outdone, even by a giant like Microsoft. I think that what Microsoft would have to gain the most from by any type of partnership with Yahoo, would be the opportunity to benefit from wider reach and access to larger online audiences to promote their software products to. They can try all they want with regard to search, but they will only move the needle a tiny a bit in their direction.
