Microsoft Acquires Lookout Software to Bolster Search Services

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. has acquired Lookout Software LLC, a privately held company based in Palo Alto, Calif., to bolster its Internet search services. The acquisition comes amid growing competition in the search market, with Google garnering roughly seven out of 10 searches on the Web. Microsoft plans to integrate Lookout's technology into its MSN search service, allowing users to search their Outlook email service and computer files using a keyword. With Google's dominance in the search market, Microsoft has announced plans to launch several new search-related technologies, including a natural language search tool and a technology that allows users to search through blogs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has acquired Lookout Software LLC, a privately held company based in Palo Alto, Calif.
  • The acquisition is aimed at bolstering Microsoft's Internet search services, which currently trail Google's market share.
  • Microsoft plans to integrate Lookout's technology into its MSN search service, allowing users to search their Outlook email service and computer files using a keyword.
  • Microsoft has announced plans to launch several new search-related technologies, including a natural language search tool and a technology that allows users to search through blogs.
  • Microsoft's acquisition of Lookout comes amid sweeping consolidation in the internet search industry, with Google and Yahoo! also making significant acquisitions.
  • The acquisition of Lookout represents a strategic move by Microsoft to compete with Google's dominance in the search market.
  • Microsoft will integrate the acquired technology into its MSN search service, which is currently testing a so-called MSNBot for algorithmic search.

Statistics:

  • Google garners roughly seven out of 10 searches on the Web. (Source: The Deal)
  • Microsoft has acquired Lookout Software LLC, a privately held company based in Palo Alto, Calif.
  • Microsoft plans to launch a natural language search tool, called Answerbot, to ease internet searches.
  • Xbox is planning to launch a technology that allows users to search through blogs and other online content.

Sources:

  • The Deal, July 16, 2005 (Google Inc. has Microsoft Corp. worried)