It was announced today that a conclusion may finally have been reached with the MSN vs. Yahoo buyout. But instead of a buyout or merger, it appears there is going to be a partnership. This new joint relationship is aptly named “Search Alliance.”

Could this mean that we will have to manage one less search engine without losing inventory?

Will this bring additional competition to Bing advertisers who have competitors only in Yahoo! and vise-versa?

…These questions are more will soon be answered.

Here are the highlights:

• Search inventory will be combined into a new unified search marketplace
• Microsoft will manage the technology platforms that deliver the algorithmic and paid search results.
• Yahoo!’s team will exclusively support high volume advertisers, SEO and SEM agencies, and resellers.
• Microsoft’s team will support self-service advertisers
• Each company will maintain its own separate display advertising & affiliate search partners.
• Transition is scheduled for the Pre 2010 Holiday Season or early 2011.

For More Information Regarding:

Search Alliance: http://advertising.microsoft.com/search-alliance/home
Yahoo Transition: http://advertising.yahoo.com/transition/en_US
Bing Transition: http://advertising.microsoft.com/learning-center/microsoft-transition-center

Search Alliance