Microsoft boosts search ability

Microsoft boosts search ability "Moving to strengthen its position against Google and Yahoo!, Microsoft Corp. said yesterday that it bought a company that makes software for searching through e-mails and other computer files.
The acquisition of Palo Alto, Calif.-based Lookout Software LLC will bring new technology into Microsoft's MSN Search initiative, the company said. In addition, one of Lookout Software's founders will join Microsoft as an employee working on the MSN Search team. Microsoft declined to disclose the price it paid.
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Founded in early 2003 by two former employees of Web pioneer Netscape Communications Inc., Lookout makes software for finding e-mails, files and other information in Microsoft's widely used Outlook e-mail software. The Lookout software has been available free over the Internet on a trial basis.
Microsoft said Lookout co-founder Mike Belshe will become an employee of Microsoft. Co-founder Eric Hahn, former Netscape chief technology officer in the late 1990s, will help during the transition of Lookout into Microsoft but won't stay with the company."