In a loss for Google, Verizon Wireless on Wednesday selected Microsoft to provide portal, local and Internet search as well as mobile advertising services. The five-year agreement will begin in the first half of the year, with Microsoft Live Search available on new Verizon Wireless feature phones and smartphones.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said mobile search and mobile advertising offer tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. As he sees it, Microsoft is in a unique position to deliver a fully integrated, voice-enabled solution for Verizon’s customers.
“We are confident that our advanced mobile-search and mobile-advertising technologies will help consumers get the most out of their mobile computing experiences and help advertisers reach consumers who are on the go more effectively,” Ballmer said.
What This Means for Customers
Verizon has its eye on the rapid adoption of a variety of data services and substantial changes in the way wireless customers use their devices. Verizon said both factors are driving the need for new ways to organize and deliver the content customers want.
With Microsoft’s Live Search capabilities integrated onto its handsets, Verizon said its customers will have easier access to context-relevant search results. Some devices will also make way for voice-enabled search and location-aware searches that yield maps, directions, traffic information, movie theaters and show times, gas prices, and weather. Verizon said customers will get news and entertainment content such as downloadable full-track songs, videos and games.
Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will manage search and display advertising on Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web service, creating a one-stop integrated way for advertisers to reach mobile consumers. Verizon customers will be able to access Microsoft Live Search from a device’s home screen, by downloading an application, or through Verizon’s service.
Verizon’s Search Bet
Wireless data now represents more than 25 percent of Verizon Wireless’ revenue. Getting wireless…