January 31, 2007 | Wednesday

Ask.com CEO non-commital on breaking partnership with Google

By Richard Gregory - COO in Search Engines |Ask

Ok...so this is a little late, but I’m catching up on my reading in preparation for my speaking slot at Search Engine Strategies in London next month.

In an Interview with Jim Lanzone, CEO of Ask.com, gave his take on the beta testing taking place for Ask X, potential acquisitions strategy and their vision for the future of Ask.com.

What caught my attention was his comment regarding their current paid listings partnership with Google. For reference Google provides the “backfill” for sponsored listsings in the US and all sponsired listings in Europe. It appears that Jim has no plans to be a direct player in Europe and plans to sign with one of the major search partners in 2008 (I believe this is when the Google deal expires) most likely continuing the with the favourable deal currently in place with the Big G.

Hi-ho, there goes my prediction for Ask being the 4th largest search player in the UK next year.