March 3rd, 2009
Microsoft's Kumo: It's a little early for the obit isn't it?
Microsoft is testing Kumo–the upgrade to Live Search internally–and a few folks are already writing the obit. A wee bit early, don’t you think?
BoomTown’s Kara Swisher posted Microsoft’s internal memo on Kumo, but more importantly posted three screen shots. All are worth a look. The interface has good groupings, a friendly nav and appears to integrate some of the look and feel that the Powerset acquisition provided.
Henry Blodget has already declared Kumo doomed (Techmeme). I agree with Henry’s initial point: Changing the Google habit will be difficult. But it’s not impossible. Search is still ripe for innovation. Microsoft is very determined and Google could always stumble. Meanwhile, switching costs for search aren’t high.
Is Kumo enough to make Live Search relevant? I have no idea, but I wouldn’t rule out a leapfrog at some point. My initial reaction is that Kumo isn’t going to be that search leapfrog, but who knows? I do know it’s far too early to write Kumo’s obit before it has even left Microsoft’s intranet.
Also see: Microsoft begins internal test of Kumo search
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and Editorial Director of ZDNet sister site TechRepublic. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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