Twitter is in late-stage talks with both Microsoft and Google about a content-sharing deal. The rivals appear eager to tap into Twitter’s strength for disseminating real-time information.
All Things Digital, a blog owned by Dow Jones, cited “sources familiar with the situation” in a report that revealed Microsoft and Google are looking to strike a data-mining deal that would see Twitter feeds integrated into their search results.
In July, Microsoft added Twitter search to its new Bing decision engine, but Bing only streams messages from a few Tweeters. Microsoft launched the service with well-known bloggers, including John Battelle, Danny Sullivan, and Kara Swisher. At the time, analysts said Microsoft’s service was ahead of the curve.
Neutral Twitter
Part of Twitter’s discussion with Microsoft and Google reportedly deals with payment structures. Figures such as “several million dollars” are being tossed around, as well as revenue-sharing agreements that would offer Twitter a piece of the search-revenue pie from Microsoft and Google.
News reports suggest Twitter won’t make an exclusive deal with one or the other, but could remain neutral in the search wars by signing agreements with both companies if terms are agreeable. And although talks are reportedly in advanced stages, sources say it’s just as possible that Twitter won’t come to terms with either company.
Twitter has yet to make large profits, yet the company continues to capture the interest of media, consumers and investors. Twitter raised $100 million in new funding last month. The company had already raised $55 million.
Twitter’s Real-Time Advantage
Twitter, Microsoft and Google couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. But as Greg Sterling, principal analyst at Sterling Market Intelligence, sees it, the motives of all parties in these discussions is clear: Twitter wants the exposure that this deal could bring and the search engines want the data.
“Twitter can’t really compete…