Orion - 1:13 pm on Jun 14, 2002 (gmt 0)

I just wanted to say that no partner (read: Yahoo) likes to have any advance notice or hints of an upcoming partnership (in this case, FAST, Inktomi or Google), so I suspect it is still very much a three horse race. Yahoo could also extend their current partnership with Inktomi for a few months, and hold off on making a decision if the terms being proposed by several parties are really compelling.

I have no idea who will win the partnership, but here are my reasons for why all 3 have a great chance.

FAST
* clearly has improved the quality of the results
* has the ability to provide the service level requirements and speed that big partners need.
* has some really creative technology for foreign languages.
* supposedly has a really good cost position, and hence can propose a really low price.

but
* limited advances in Paid Inclusion. Unclear FAST can pay for the deal, given that company has just broken even (I think) and algorithmic web search is just one part of the biz.
* limited position in U.S. (Lycos)

Inktomi

Say what you will about Inktomi, they have proven they can work with big partners (MSN, and AOL in the past), and are probably the most advanced on Paid Inclusion. But clearly they have some corporate problems. If they lose this one, MSN then has them by the collar. (As RealNames found out, not a great position to be in). Inktomi would probably have to pay Yahoo for the deal, and hope to make it back in Paid Inclusion.

Google
* Obviously the best algorithmic engine and still has all the buzz.
* Will Yahoo be willing to pay through the nose to get Google again (and the reputation factor)? Is Google content with just being the unpaid search provider?

I would not rule out Google yet, although that in that case, Google really has the negotiating leverage (I would argue).

Unfortunately I think neither Teoma or Wisenut is ready for a big partner (experience, scalability, etc), although in another 2 years (assuming the Yahoo deal is again for 2 years), they might be in a great position if they survive.

The Search world remains fascinating.

BTW I've been an avid reader of these forums for several years and am glad that I am now in a position to start contributing.