Google Muscles Into Microsoft's Turf

Forbes.com

"Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products, said the company's goal is to organize information and make it universally accessible, and that goes far beyond search. "

Web search isn't the only place where Microsoft is playing catch-up:

Internet browser toolbar that blocks pop-up ads and enables search launched years after Google had created its own.

And after Google announced plans for Gmail Microsoft said it would boost free memory on its Hotmail accounts no details yet.

Microsoft also has promised its own system for searching desktop computers...Google launched its desktop search product last month and said users should expect more improvements to that product.

Ad delivery, where Microsoft recently extended through June 2006 a contract for Yahoo Inc./ Overture paid ads... Ad placement alongside search results is Google's main cash cow...

David Smith, a vice president with Gartner Inc., says the chain of events illustrates that Google is proving to be customer-driven while Microsoft tends to be more driven by competitive threats.


Google opened an office in Kirkland, not far from Microsoft's Redmond campus...