Amazon search finds Microsoft

Amazon8217;s search engine, A9, breaks down searches into various categories, such as Web searches, book searches, and blog searches. It is a stand-alone search site, a9.com, as well as the search technology used on the amazon.com Web site.

A9 Chief Executive David Tennenhouse told Reuters that Windows Live presented a 8216;8216;very interesting, powerful Web search option8217;8217; that had previously been featured on the A9 site.

Tennenhouse said the Google search was removed from the site on Sunday, following the expiration of that contract. He would not comment on the terms of the Microsoft deal, or whether a new contract with Google had been an option.

Microsoft8217;s new search engine and user interface consolidates a variety of the software giant8217;s Web services such as search, e-mail, instant messaging and security.

Senior product manager at Microsoft8217;s MSN Internet unit, Justin Osmer, confirmed that Google8217;s contract with Amazon.com had expired.

8216;8216;It8217;s another opportunity to reach a new segment for us and get people acquainted with the Windows Live search brand,8217;8217; Osmer said.

Google and Yahoo built multibillion-dollar businesses supported mainly by online ad sales from search, while Microsoft lagged behind. But Microsoft now aims to close the gap with Windows Live and a new pay-per-click advertising system called adCenter.

8216;8216;We view this as more of a marathon than a sprint,8217;8217; said Osmer. Google did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Alexandria Sage