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| | | October 12, 2003
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Sunday, October 12, 2003 |
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Search pays
Yahoo! is proving it. Internet search is swiftly becoming one of the most lucrative and sought after businesses. The media company's performance during the third-quarter topped analysts' expectations as its net income more than doubled from the same period a year ago. For the quarter that ended September 30, California-based Yahoo! posted revenue of $356.8 million, $245 million of which, or 69 percent, was derived from online advertising. In the past months and even years, Yahoo! has been repositioning itself, not only providing new business-oriented paid services, but enhancing its search division with vital acquisitions, including those of search technology maker Inktomi and sponsored links provider Overture Services.
The future's not as bright for LookSmart though. It said Microsoft's Internet subsidiary MSN had decided to terminate its contract with the company, which offers paid-inclusion links on MSN's search pages. According to recent filings, the MSN distribution deal accounts for nearly two-thirds of LookSmart's revenue. LookSmart's CEO Jason Kellerman expressed grim disappointment as he failed to reach an extension. MSN is set to cease carrying LookSmart's links in January next year.
But Microsoft's decision ain't an arbitrary move. The software giant is looking to enter the competitive search field with a full range of services, directly hitting on rivals Google and Yahoo! MSN is currently experimenting with its own search algorithms, its own robots crawling the web, and what's expected to come, its own sponsored links system.
In the meantime, America Online extended its pact with Google to further power its AOL Search site. Google has been providing algorithmic and paid search tools to AOL since the company defected from Overture in May 2002. AOL will now be displaying Google AdWords in both its business directory and AOL Yellow Pages.
More from: CNET News.com 1 2 3 4 5 | Computerworld | E-Commerce Times | eWeek | Internet Magazine | InternetNews.com 1 2 | NewsFactor | The Washington Post
Eolas seeks to halt Internet Explorer distribution
Chicago-based Eolas Technologies Inc. is seeking an injunction against Microsoft's predominant web browser Internet Explorer. In August, Eolas won a patent-infringement lawsuit against the software maker. The disputed patent owned by the University of California and licensed to Eolas Technologies involves a technology that allows web page publishers to embed and automatically launch third-party components to run interactive objects such as Flash animations, Java applets, QuickTime and Real Player videos and others. A federal jury awarded Eolas $521 million, but Microsoft fiercely rejected the fairness of the ruling and filed an appeal.
On Monday, the software giant announced it will make "modest" modifications in its web browsing suite to technically avoid the alleged infringement. Adjusted versions of Internet Explorer are expected to go in distribution in early 2004 with retail and OEM versions of Windows XP.
Eolas offered Microsoft to license the use of the technology for the full jury verdict plus interest going back to October 1998, when the violations allegedly began, totaling $632 million. But Microsoft underscored it is reluctant to pay such a high price for something the company believes is not in violation of.
More from: AP (via CRN) | CNET News.com 1 2 | Computerworld 1 2 | eWeek 1 2 | InternetNews.com | NewsFactor
Napster makes a beta debut
CD- and DVD-burning software maker Roxio debuted in New York on Thursday the reborn Napster 2.0. Apart from the kitty logo and the brand name, the new Napster is nothing like its predecessor, which at one point was a synonymous with online music.
Starting October 29, Napster will be offering its users paid-for music for 99¢ per track or $9.95 per full-length album, or a $9.95 monthly subscription plan, allowing unlimited music streaming for the duration of the subscription. Boasting a slick new interface, Napster 2.0 will be using digital rights management (DRM) technology from Microsoft's Windows Media Player 9 series. The company also announced cooperation with the software maker in distributing Napster on Windows XP Media Center 2004 computers. Roxio has also struck deals with Samsung and Gateway to offer the service on handheld devices and desktop and notebook computers, respectively.
More from: CNET News.com | BBC News | ElectricNews.net | InternetNews.com | The Motley Fool
In Other News...
 The entire source code of the upcoming Half Life 2 computer game was stolen in September, Valve Software, the game's manufacturer confirmed this week. In a statement posted at HalfLife2.net, Gabe Newell, Valve Software's founder and managing director said an intruder obtained access to the company's internal network and on September 19 copied the entire development tree of the popular game.
Online advertising agency ValueClick has agreed to acquire privately-held Commission Junction for about $58 million in cash. Commission Junction, which specializes in affiliate marketing will be integrated into ValueClick's own affiliate network, Be Free, roughly doubling its size.
Computer Associates has sacked three top executives after an independent auditor found they had a role in the company's accounting irregularities. Chief financial officer Ira Zar, senior vice president for finance Lloyd Silverstein and vice president for finance David Rivard were asked by CA chairman Sanjay Kumar to resign.
Apple Computer is expected to release its iTunes Music Store software for the Windows platform next week. An invitation sent to journalists read: "The year's biggest music story is about to get even bigger." Apple had previously announced the Windows service will be available before the end of the year.
Oracle extended its hostile takeover bid for PeopleSoft until the end of the year. PeopleSoft shareholders will be able to tender their shares until midnight on December 31.
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