Microsoft plans to replace current default search engine Live Search engine with Bing after two days of select user testing. The new model employs technology developed by Powerset, the search technology company acquired by Microsoft in 2008.
Google Search Options Faces Stiff Competition
Bing's launch follows closely on the heels of Google's unveiling of their new search options, including the Wonder Wheel and graphic time line results display options. Microsoft's Bing is generating mostly positive buzz among internet technology junkies. While the actual results display is quite similar to Google's Search Options, with blue text laid over a white background, internet users are excited over a few key differences.
Bing Utilizes Powerset's Semantic Search Technology; Collates and Displays Reviews
Google launched their new Search Options in May to give users more control over content and provide more targeted results, with several filtering options. In acquiring Powerset, Microsoft gained access to their powerful semantic search technology, designed to hone in on related search results and improve on the often generic hits.
Bing also uses information from data mash-ups to find and collate user and consumer reviews. This technology should be popular with online shoppers and the 88% of people iCrossing Inc. identified in its 2007 report, How America Searches: Online Retail (pg 1) as those who research products online before they buy. Clicking on a search engine result produces a list of pros, cons and reviews compiled by the search technology. Other new features include Bing Travel (resulting from acquisition of travel site Farecast), Bing Maps for Enterprise, Best Match, Deep Links and Bing Cashback.
Bing a Boon for E-Commerce and Brick and Mortar Companies
Bing spiders seek out information from more local sources than Google's. Described as a decision engine, its purpose is to help users make better choices by providing more than just web links. Searching the name of a major company, for example, results in the display of the company's phone number in the results. Bing seems to have captured that elusive quality search engines have been trying to attain: the ability to discern what people are looking for, and actually present it to them in a way that makes sense.
E-commerce and real-world companies will benefit from the exposure in more targeted, local results. Online reputation management will become easier, as searching one's own company name will produce a range of results from social media and review sites.
Microsoft's Bing: 3 Goals to Fight Information Overload
In their May 28,2009 press release, Microsoft identified their three motivating factors in creating Bing:
- Deliver great results
- Deliver a more organized experience
- Simplify tasks and provide insight, leading to faster, more confident decisions
They cite a custom comStore Inc. study across core search engines that showed up to 30% of search engine queries resulting in unsatisfactory findings. Ballmer is quoted as saying, "When we set out to build Bing, we grounded ourselves in a deep understanding of how people really want to use the web."
Only time will tell if Bing is the solution internet users crave, but so far, it looks promising.
