Why Microsoft Continues to Chase Internet Search

Mr. Ballmer wants to be in search because that’s where the money is. “At the end of the day, one of the key lessons is that not all businesses on the Internet are good businesses,” he said. Microsoft, he pointed out, dominates instant messaging in Europe, but that popularity hasn’t turned into much profit. “There are only three things on the Internet that have made money: Amazon, eBay and Google,” he said. “If we’re going to make a lot of money on the Internet, we’ll have to challenge Google in search.” Mr. Ballmer added that when individuals use Microsoft products, it helps sales to business. – from NYtimes