This refers to “Google adds real-time updates to tackle Bing” (December 11). The less said about Bing, the better. Microsoft is a late entrant in the market and much of its market share seems to be trumped up.
The search interface, results and even maps are awful. It forces you to install Silverlight (which, incidentally, doesn’t work cross platform) and is way off the mark as far as locating or getting directions is concerned. Google Maps does a better job of indexing, even though it has not been updated as frequently as one would like.
Microsoft’s main revenues come from its flagship product, Office, and sales of its operating system. It cannot think of itself as a web-driven company; Google’s strategy, by default, is linked to acquisition of more customers, to drive the usage of its applications through its browser and making money by targeted advertisements. Here lies the difference in the DNA of both the companies. If Microsoft feels that it could make money by spreading its wings on the Net, it is sadly mistaken.
Abhishek Puri, on email