Because it's not Google

by Ed Bowsher on 18 June 2009  |  1 comment
Tweet

Google is losing market share to search upstart, Bing. But I'm going to carry on using the search colossus.

Have you checked out Bing yet? Microsoft's rival to Google appears to be making an impact.

According to our friends over at Fool.com, Bing's share of the US search market has risen from 13.7% at the end of May to 16.7% during the period between June 8th and 12th. Of course, it's early days, but it looks like some Google users may be taking a look at Bing and then hanging around.

Google-haters around the world will be pleased although it feels a little strange cheering for Microsoft in the 'plucky underdog' role.

Personally, I'm not that impressed with Bing. It failed the absolutely crucial 'how important is Ed Bowsher test?'

I typed in 'Bowsher' in Google, ticking the 'pages from the UK' box. Sure an 'Ed Bowsher' entry appeared on page 1 in the fourth best slot. Obviously position 4 is a little disappointing, but at least I'm on page one.

Not so with Bing.  A UK search for 'Bowsher' put me on page 2. I'll be sticking with Google.

PS. If you're wondering about the headline, it's based on a theory that is circulating around the wine bars of media land. Allegedly Microsoft chose the name Bing for its new search engine because it's an acronym for 'Because it's not Google.'