MSN boosts searches with Lookout buy

Microsoft's MSN has bought search technology firm Lookout Software, an acquisition which it said would add technology and expertise to its "future search efforts".

Lookout currently provides the personal search tool for Outlook 2003, which searches email, files and desktop data within the email client.

Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of MSN, said in a statement: "Our vision is to take search beyond today's basic internet search services to deliver direct answers to people's questions, and help them find information from a broad range of sources."

As part of the acquisition, Lookout founder and software developer Mike Belshe will become a full-time employee of the MSN Search team.

Founder and software developer Eric Hahn will work closely with the MSN Search team during the transition of Lookout to Microsoft.

MSN said the acquisition is the latest in a series of moves to improve the website's functionality, including changes to MSN Search that it claims will increase the relevancy of results by up to 45 per cent.

See also:

Apple's Spotlight aims to put Google in the shade

Jobs gives a sneak peak of forthcoming search system  12 Jan 2005

Rivals aim to give Google that sinking feeling

Newly floated search firm faces competition in web and enterprise markets  20 Aug 2004

MSN Search claims to freeze out web spam

Microsoft unveils its forthcoming attempt to dethrone Google  11 Jun 2004

Search engines to diversify offerings

Google's rivals have plans to steal its crown  23 Feb 2004

MSN adds search toolbar

MSN launches toolbar to keep up with the competition  30 Jan 2004

Search firms jockey for position

Yahoo's proposed takeover of search placement firm Overture might cause alarm at Google and MSN, but it is good news for site owners  25 Jul 2003

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