egomaniac - 7:50 pm on Feb 25, 2003 (gmt 0)

Although exciting, this is still no big deal IMO. Around 70-80% (or more) of all search activity takes place among Google, Yahoo, and MSN. Just because OV bought AV and FAST doesn't mean the public will pay attention or change their searching habits.

Now if one of those big three does something stupid causing themselves to lose their users, then thats another story.

I see this OV conglomerate (I like the OAF acronym!) as be a major player for all of the second-tier contract search opportunities (e.g. ISPs, newsites, etc.). Their language technology gives them an edge in non-US market as well, which are big opportunties over the next 5 years.

But for the next 2 years or so in the US, it probably won't affect me much.