Steve Berkowitz to head Microsoft’s Internet business

Ask.com is the only search engine besides Google.com to show any growth in its user base in the recent times. However, they have suffered a minor setback as Microsoft has hired its chief executive Steve Berkowitz. Steve would be heading Microsoft’s own Internet business.

He would be taking over from David Cole, a 20-year Microsoft veteran. Cole is going on a leave, which would last around a year’s time. Berkowitz is credited in the tech industry with orchestrating the turnaround of Ask.com.

Berkowitz has been also named the senior vice president of Microsoft’s recently formed Online Business Group. This group is responsible for bringing in together the operations of Microsoft’s MSN Internet business unit with other consumer businesses within the company.

He would now be reporting to Kevin Johnson, co-president of Microsoft’s platforms and services unit.