Search Trends - Search Engine Marketing

It's been up in the air for the past several weeks or so (at least in the media it was up in the air) whether AOL would stick with Google or jump ship for a better offer from another search engine company. According to reports from CNet, Google not only held onto the deal, they're going to buy a 5% stake in AOL for a billion bucks. The article talks alot about how the deal pretty much bursts MSN's hopes for becoming a powerhouse ad network anytime soon. Maybe, but what does this mean for Google? And how about AOL? The fading giant has recently revamped their business model and the USP of their advertising and this could signal a serious bid to regain some of their marketshare in the online advertising space. Although the deal essentially means things will continue as is, I think we'll continue to see some changes with AOL as they complete their rediscovery of who they are in the online world.