Does www make a difference?

[consultant]

Does anyone have a clue if having www in the domain name makes a difference in the ranking (especially when using subdomains - www.subdomain.domain.com versus just subdomain.domain.com)

I primarily interested if it makes a difference on Google, Altavista, and Inktomi.

[paynt]

If it makes a difference? You mean in ranking and postion? Run a check with the site search for canonicals. I've done a bit of writing on the subject. Let me know if you need more after that ;)