Microsoft confirms new search deal

Microsoft has signed a new search deal with Sun Microsystems in a bid to increase its share of search traffic.

The deal will allow Internet Explorer users to install an MSN Toolbar with Live Search as they download the latest Sun Java plug-ins, which has over 800 million users worldwide, according to Sun.

Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of Microsoft’s online audience business, said: “This agreement with Sun Microsystems is another important milestone in our strategy to secure broad-scale distribution for our search offering, enabling millions more people to experience the benefits of Live Search.”

Last week, Microsoft dismissed speculation that it may go back in to takeover talks with Yahoo!, after Yahoo! and Google failed to reach a search deal that would have seen the two companies comprise 80% of the US market (see Microsoft dismisses potential deal with Yahoo!).

Mircosoft revealed yesterday that Ashley Highfield, former CEO of Project Kangaroo, would becomes the managing director of its UK operations (see Kangaroo CEO steps down).

Microsoft: 0870 60 10 100 www.microsoft.com/uk