Microsoft strikes Sun search deal

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 10 Nov 2008 at 17:18

Microsoft has struck a search deal with Sun Microsystems, as it seeks to chip away at Google's dominance.

The agreement means users who download Sun's Java technology platform will also be given the option to download the MSN Toolbar, and its Microsoft Live Search facility.

Striking distribution deals is one part of Microsoft's strategy to close the gap on market leader Google. Microsoft claims competition for these types of deals is intense and that the company had to outbid several rivals for the Sun deal.

Sun claims its Java platform sits on more than 800 million personal computers around the world, representing around 91% of internet-connected PCs worldwide.

"This deal will expose Live Search to millions more Internet users and drive increased volume for our search advertisers," says Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of the Online Audience Business at Microsoft.

Earlier this year, Microsoft reached an agreement with HP, the world's largest personal computer maker, to place a toolbar on new PCs in the US and Canada starting in January.