MSN Search Beta and Google

MSN Search Beta is out for us to check out and there are few surprises and some glitches. Glitches like temporary unavailability of services came a tad too many times. But considering it is a beta service that is expected. But the fact remains, this beta is much better than any of the earlier searching engine services from Microsoft.

It is fast and it showed surprisingly updated pages in cache. Analysts are saying it has the potential of becoming the second best engine if the beta is something to go by. Google is something special and much more is needed from the Redmond Giant to somewhat beat Google at their game. But with Beta 2, Microsoft seems to be somewhat diverting its attention away from the number game.

There were no major publicity from the MSN camp with this beta launch and there is no media blitz comparing Google to MSN Search from them. Either they want to wait for the final thing, or they are just trying to come out with something that is good and works to support their other services.

Encarta is integrated in the beta search along with MSN Music store. Search for Eagles, gave me options to buy the most popular tracks from Microsoft’s online store with links enabling me to listen to samples. Worked like a charm here.

Microsoft has such an extensive network of services (Corbis is one) that can lead to an excellent integrated solution that this search could potentially help them in more than just the search engine market. And that seems to be the strategy at this moment. If they manage to lure Google users, it would be an added advantage. Google might get benefits from Mozilla Foundation future plans, but with Longhorn coming in another two years… we cannot rule out Microsoft to have something up to their sleeves for us.

Though nothing explains this: MSN Beta Search for ‘More Evil Than Satan‘