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Bing: The Underestimated Powerhouse of Search

Microsoft's Bing is a profitable $5 billion business, riding Windows' default settings and past Apple deals to quietly hold real power in search and data.

Introduction

Hey, corporate warriors! 🌟 Ever wondered why Microsoft's Bing is still around despite being overshadowed by Google? Well, Bing is far from a failure. It's a story of strategic control, data, and the future of the internet. Let's dive in!

The Power of Default Settings 🖥️⚙️

Microsoft's Windows runs on 82% of the world's computers, giving the tech giant a massive platform to promote Bing. Most people don't bother changing their default settings, making Bing the go-to search engine for a significant portion of users.

The Financials: Bing is Profitable 💵📈

Surprisingly, Bing is a $5 billion-a-year business. It's profitable, unlike many tech companies that operate at a loss for years. Bing's profitability is a testament to Microsoft's strategic use of its Windows platform.

The iOS Connection: Apple's Role 🍏🤝

Apple's Siri initially used Bing as its default search engine. Although Google now pays Apple $3 billion a year to be the default search engine on iOS devices, Bing's initial partnership with Apple was a strategic move to gain more users.

The Data Game: More Than Just Search 🔍📊

Bing's value isn't just in search; it's in data. More data means better ads, and better ads mean more profit. Microsoft leverages Bing to collect valuable user data, which can be used across its various services.

The Global Reach: It's Not Just the U.S. 🌍📊

Bing has a global presence, capturing a third of U.S. internet searches and significant market share in the UK and Canada. This international reach adds to its profitability and data collection capabilities.

The Larger Goal: Climbing the Hierarchy of Control 📈🎯

Tech companies aim to move up the hierarchy of control, from plugins and websites to operating systems and physical devices. Bing serves Microsoft's larger goal of control, allowing it to dictate what users see and collect more data.

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker — bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

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