Search Trends - Search Engine Marketing

"It's been 10 years since the initial public offering of ill-fated Internet pioneer Netscape Communications, and the often-told story of its rise and fall has inspired inevitable comparisons to the industry's current darling, Google.

Like Netscape, Google had a wildly successful IPO, created a mainstream technology for optimizing Internet use and, as a result, has Microsoft gunning for them in the same way it went for Netscape's jugular."

PCWorld.com Article

So far it looks like Google is taking a markedly different path than Netscape in the battle against Microsoft. Most importantly--their product continues to be better than MS's. Not only is Google better than MSN Search, it is perceived to be even better than it really is in the minds of most consumers. That's the most important key.

Back in 1999-2000, I held on to Netscape longer than most, but I finally gave it up because it was just easier to use IE because of the integration with Windows and Netscape wasn't making the cut in terms of keeping up with new technology. After AOL bought Netscape, they let it die. Google will never do that. Search is still their core business and it's what they do best...and everyone knows it! MSN will have a hard time taking over Google's marketshare, but I'm sure they'll spend a lot more money and manpower trying to do just that.