Comments on: News: Berkowitz to Microsoft

By: Search Engines WEb

Search Engines WEb — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 23:20:53 +0000

Read this latest Search Engines Search Share and Trends released by nielsen-netratings - There are a few suprises regarding MSN Search Share

nielsen-netratings.com/pr/pr_060424.pdf

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 14:03:37 +0000

I think this looks like a positive move for both MSN and Berkowitz. In reference to the earlier post about it being a “bad career move”, I just don’t see that. MSN has the focus of upper management, is still one of the most visited properties online, and has the muscle of Microsoft resources behind it. Imagine if Berkowitz could engineer a big uptick in MSN Search share and what that would do for his career! He would be the savior of Microsoft’s online inititiative – no small feather in his cap! Ask is always going to be a smaller player. Good luck Steve!

By: Gerald Buckley

Gerald Buckley — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 13:08:01 +0000

Remember the Expedia sale to IAC? That was a deal going to other direction (MS to IAC... well, from MS to publicly traded to IAC) and nearly the whole management staff at Expedia left over the course of the first year.

IAC just has a different culture than most are accustomed. Not bad. Just different.

I think Steve's going to find a fantastic new home at Microsoft. A lot of creative latitude to do new things in new ways with access to so much more resources. On the whole a good move for him and the industry at large.

Now, what will Barry do with top management at Ask? I'd put my money on Gardi getting tapped to lead Ask. Seems to have the chops to do the job.

By: Stuart MacDonald

Stuart MacDonald — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 20:20:33 +0000

John, this is big news. Another example of a top-drawer punch-out following a Diller acquisition. He just can't seem to keep strong people after a purchase, can he?

Does this not potentially make for a legal battle for MSFT vs. IACI?

Also, where does all this leave Yussuf at msn, do you know? I seem to recall a recent change there, too, no?

Best,
Stuart

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 20:16:08 +0000

Terrible career move. He was better off where he was. And ask.com is set to explode as people look for alternative search engines to avoid pages "stacked" with results catering specifically to google.

But then who am I to throw stones at someone selling his soul to the devil for a bag of pop rocks? Kudos... I guess.

By: Decipho

Decipho — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 19:53:38 +0000

Wow, this is big news. First time Microsoft that I know of is stealing away search talent from another company.

By: Gerald Buckley

Gerald Buckley — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 12:55:16 +0000

What a fun and wide open gig! Good for Microsoft and good for Steve. Should be fun to watch them hoist the colors.

By: doug

doug — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 01:51:58 +0000

I second your one-word reaction: Wow.

This is an uber-coup for Microsoft.