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Microsoft Tests New Search Service

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 March 2009, 13:27 CST

A spokesman for Microsoft said on Monday, the software company is testing a new version of its online search service internally under the name of Kumo.com.

Even though the service is currently unavailable to the public, it may eventually form part of Microsoft's attempt to compete with its rival Google Inc.

An internal memo sent by the head of research at the company's online services division unveiled the new service on Monday.  There were no details about new features disclosed in the memo.

"Kumo.com exists only inside the corporate network, and in order to get enough feedback we will be redirecting internal live.com traffic over to the test site in the coming days," said the memo from Satya Nadella. "Kumo is the code name we have chosen for the internal test."

According to Nadella, the company can put together a better search engine than those currently available.

"We believe we can provide a better and more useful search experience that helps you not just search but accomplish tasks," Nadella said in the memo. "An explorer pane on the left side of results pages will give you access to tools that help you with your tasks."

Microsoft made an unsuccessful attempt to buy Yahoo for $47.5 billion last year.  Both companies left the door open of a deal or partnership involving only Yahoo's search business.

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Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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