MSN Gives Google Analytics a Run for its Money
MSN recently launched a beta version of "Project Gatineau," its upcoming web analytics service. Project Gatineau is based on technology Microsoft acquired from DeepMetrix Corporation and is named for the Canadian town in which DeepMetrix was based. Long-time readers will recall that Google launched its free web analytics service shortly after acquiring Urchin. Although Microsoft asserts that it is not its intention to offer an identical service to the much-loved Google Analytics, it is unclear what, if any, the differences are between the two product offerings. Project Gatineau will be able to track visitor demographics for website visitors with a Microsoft Live ID, but in order for this information to be useful, website visitors must be logged in and provide accurate demographic data on the computer they are using, so it remains to be seen whether this will actually be helpful to advertisers.
Microsoft Unveils New Webmaster Portal
In other Microsoft news, the company is continuing to try to undermine search rival Google as it unveils its new webmaster portal beta this month. The portal requires users to create a profile for their websites and verify ownership, and then allows site owners to analyze search performance and keyphrases. If this sounds familiar, it is -- Google began offering its webmaster portal, which offers similar services, in 2006. With Microsoft launching so many copycat products, it would appear that MSN is trying to compete with Google by offering the same products. Perhaps it would achieve more by offering something different instead of trying to get into a very difficult (and loyal) market that Google has already more or less cornered.
Google Mobile OS
Reports have surfaced that Google will soon make an announcement about its plans for a mobile communication program. Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are all reportedly in talks with Google, as are phone manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola. Both service and equipment companies are eager to work with the new Google platform (which uses an extremely optimized Java and Mobile Linux) because it is now believed that collaboration between companies is the most effective way to establish a presence in the wireless market. However, many speculate that contract agreements may be held up due to Google's current business model, which differs from those of most major carriers.
Yahoo! Changes Algorithm on the Sly
While webmasters and search engine marketers were reeling from the sudden Google algorithm shift, Yahoo! snuck in the back door, making changes to the way it indexes, crawls, and ranks websites while no one was paying attention. While the details of the algorithm shift are of course a secret, the update seems to place a higher value on new content, not unlike the "freshness factor" that is so apparent on Google. Some have reported a noticeable decline in the number of spam-filled pages appearing in the results as well.
Google Continues Campaign against Paid Links
Many websites experienced a marked decrease in Page Rank this month as Google rolled out an algorithm change that devalues sites that buy and sell links. While links from larger paid directories like the Yahoo! directory do not seem to be included, smaller paid directories may trigger the new algorithm to flag the link. This is a significant concern for website owners and search engine marketers, who frequently pay for inclusion in legitimate directories either to drive traffic, rankings, or both. If the trend continues, these directories may become a thing of the past, something which might help Google cut down on link spamming but ultimately hurts end users by removing a valid channel of identifying and linking to relevant websites.
AOL Cracks Down on User Privacy
The accidental leaking of thousands of users' search engine data by AOL is now infamous in the Internet marketing world, but the web giant has started offering a new service allowing users to ensure their privacy is protected. AOL has announced that by the end of the year it will provide its users with the option to "opt out" of tracking of their web activities, particularly those used for advertising purposes. This could have ramifications for Internet advertisers if enough people opt out, as it will make tracking demographics and ROI much more difficult.