Forum Moderators: mack
Microsoft is set to begin testing its own version of Google Base, a free service introduced by Google six weeks ago.The service, which will focus on classified announcements of products and services for sale by individuals or commercial entities without a web presence, is code-named “Fremont.”
The final name is TBA, but the project is under the code name Fremont. TechCrunch blog is the originator of the story.
Article [redherring.com]
The product, code-named Fremont, is a dynamic new listing service that enables people to easily buy, sell, or swap among friends, co-workers, or the public. Fremont enhances your ability to:...So, basically, it’s Google Base, except that it’s more practical/easier to use.
Fremont is a free service in which people contribute listings, whether it's about a couch for sale or someone looking for a commuting partner.Microsoft plans to index each item, thereby adding it to the results from using Microsoft's Internet search engine.
The software giant will enhance the Fremont listings with localized maps, and make them available through Microsoft's newly revamped Internet portal, now known as Live.com, according to the company.
You can attempt to sign up now at [fremont.live.com...] but you need a @microsoft.com email address for verification.
Will live.com somehow be worked into the OS?
I also wonder how much MSN Search is going to jump once Vista comes out and how Google/Yahoo will counter.
2005 was the Year of Google.
2006 will be the Year of Yahoo
2007 will be MSN's year.
That's my predict.
These systems live and die on network effects. The more they compete, the more they ruin the network effect, the more ebay wins.
Google had nothing to lose by being influxed with spam - it was their core business and they would either die or succeed (and they have profited a great deal from their subsequent decisions).
MSN on the other hand is reliant on a fairly broad range of services under a single roof - IMO if they began to feel the backlash Google have seen regularly over the past few years then all their brands will suffer.
You think Google has privacy rights issues just now? That's nothing compared to what MSN would face in their position.
Yahoo? Outdated portal model sailing on past success and a big bank balance. Maybe they will pick up their game in the future but they certainly aren't taking the number 1 spot anytime soon.
IMO, MSN is gunning for Yahoo's 2nd place spot just now - live.com could be a great personalised homepage portal model and that would be a kicker for Yahoo. People would still Google though.
I'd wager we will see live.com replace msn.com as IE's default homepage - backed up with Hotmail, Messenger, etc it would be a great way for MSN to retain / boost "default homepage traffic" - that would hurt Yahoo more than Google.
While Google might follow suit with the portal style concept, they have a huge search following and are carefully establishing themselves in other niche markets as well. They ain't going anywhere and certainly Y! or MSN aren't in a position to take their place anytime soon.
I'd be more convinced of Ask pulling some market share from Y! and MSN with IAC / Diller making use of their network than any of them taking the top spot from Google in the next few years.
MG
