Apparently MSN is still looking at aquiring Google. The fact that MSN is dropping Looksmart as it’s primary search provider in January leads me to believe they may be closer to a deal with Google then is currently being disclosed.
This could really cause a major shake up in 2004 as I think if MSN does aquire Google then Yahoo and AOL will most likely drop the Google listings they display and rely on Overture for primary searchs with Inktomi providing content on less marketable search terms.
If any or all of this takes place it will cause major changes for those of us that rely on Search Engine Optimization …..