Microsoft (MSFT) is now going after Google (GOOG) and Yahoo (YHOO) and other search engines by its launching of Bing.com. Microsoft spent up to $100 million on its advertising campaign of what is hope to be a refined innovative consumer product.
Microsoft Corporation(MSFT) is a software company with worldwide distribution. It offers Windows products and operating systems for personal computers and servers, support services, business services, MSN web services, MSN Network, atlas tools, communications, X Box video game system, consoles and accessories, music and online games. Steven A. Ballmer is CEO and President of the sector.MSFT current stock trade is at $23.47. It is a strong stock buy for short, medium and long term.
Microsoft (MSFT) major competitors are Google(GOOG) and Yahoo (YHOO). Google(GOOG) is a technology company which has and index of Websites and content for users and advertisers and content providers. It is best known for its search engine, YouTube, Google Earth, maps and other tools. Google Adsense is its advertising program and there are other services for businesses. It is presently the world's best search engine with a broad and wide range content. Its medium and long term indicator are a good buy but not as strong as Microsoft (MSFT). The stock is currently trading at $409.29.Yahoo (YHOO) provides Internet services to users advertisers, publishers and operates online properties and services and hosting in addition to its search engine. It also has Yahoo Finance, Health, Food and personals and TV. Microsoft (MSFT) has courted the Yahoo(YOOH) and had tried to acquire it as part of its distribution network, but so far Yahoo (YHOO) has resisted the courtship. The long term indicators for YHOO are similar to GOOG, a strong buy at 67%. The stock has been turning around from its fall seven months ago under the leadership of CEO Carol Bartz.
Microsoft's (MSFT) Bing is a good search engine. I have found that when using it, it is a little more specific and that I have to use less keystrokes to find the information that I need . The bottom line is that if Bing is a hit, Microsoft (MSFT) will no longer court Yahoo (YHOO) and Yahoo's share of the market may fall and advertisers may use Bing instead. Consumers however, are creatures of habit and may be use to the two search engines of Google (GOOG) and Yahoo (YHOO) that they presently use and may not make the switch. If the tools of Bing work for people then Bing will be part of the new search engines and the money invested will pay off for the software giant.
References:
http://finance.yahoo.com
Alta Vista, IA Money-Stock
Advertising Age Today; Klassen, Abbey May 25, 2009.
4. Z6EFPEW56Bhttp://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009 /06/24/5-things-that-can-go-wrong-at-yahoo.aspxWH6PD http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009/06/24/5-t hings-that-can-go-wrong-at-yahoo.aspx me > Investing