Search Goes Mobile

Mobile phone users now have access to Microsoft’s online search service. Now in beta, Windows Live Search for mobile lets users browse to a phone-enabled version of Microsoft’s online search service or send text message queries for specific types of information, such as business listings. Additionally, Sprint has integrated a version of the service into the user interface it provides on data-capable cell phones-the first such arrangement between a wireless phone carrier and an online search provider. The services could help Microsoft increase its search advertising revenue.

Multipronged Approach

To reach the broadest possible audience of mobile phone users, Microsoft takes a multipronged approach. On one hand it creates services that are available to any phone capable of sending a Simple Messaging Service (SMS) message or browsing the Web (which most cellular phones today are capable of doing). At the same time, Microsoft strikes deals with mobile carriers to integrate Microsoft software or services into the carrier-specific software (sometimes called the deck) shipped with phones. (For more background on Microsoft’s approach to mobile services, see “MSN Mobile Deals with Platform Providers” on page 27 of the May 2004 Update.)