Microsoft launched its own Internet search engine Thursday in a move aimed at challenging market leaders Google and Yahoo. The move marks a new strategy for the world's biggest Microsoft, which up to now has relied on the underlying technology of Yahoo and others for its MSN Search.
A global beta, or test version of MSN Search, was available in the United States and in 26 other markets and 11 languages.
"The release of our beta is a huge step toward delivering the information consumers are looking for online, faster than previous versions of MSN Search," said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president for the MSN Information Services.
"With better results and more powerful search tools, MSN Search is creating a new, higher standard for online search - one that helps consumers find the information they need, when they need it."
Microsoft has been developing its search engine for 18 months, is trying to get a bigger share of the lucrative business of combining Internet search and advertising.
For Google, which in recent years surpassed Yahoo as the search leader, Microsoft's move could spell trouble since the new search engine will be incorporated in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, which sells as an integral part of the Windows platform that equips 90 percent of personal computers sold around the world.