Microsoft and Yahoo recently announced a major partnership to develop their search technologies; This is an important development in the search industry, so I wanted to briefly share the facts with you.
What happenedMicrosoft and Yahoo created a partnership where:
- Microsoft's technology and Bing! algorithm will power Yahoo search
- Yahoo will become the exclusive sales force for both companies' premium (large) advertisers
- Self-serve (smaller) advertisers will use Microsoft AdCenter for both platforms
- Each company will maintain their separate display advertising businesses
The agreement will last for 10 years. However, the deal must pass regulatory approval in 6 months, and will take at least 2 years after that to complete.
Why it's important
Basically, this alliance was formed to make a stronger competitive alternative to Google.
Since Google currently has around a 78% paid search market share, it was often not worthwhile to develop separate ad campaigns for the Yahoo and Microsoft platforms (especially for smaller properties).
Hotel advertising implicationsNothing will change immediately: this is a long-term deal. It will take many months (if not years) to fully realize. But it's encouraging to see a serious competitor to Google in the search marketing space.
The combined R&D capabilities of these two companies could drive innovation…which is always a good thing.
What's your opinion on this development?Original article: www.hotelmarketingstrategies.com/microsoft-yahoo-deal
About the author
This blog is written by Josiah Mackenzie, who enjoys exploring the relationship between emerging technology and the hospitality industry.
www.hotelmarketingstrategies.com 
