Microsoft Joins Search Party

Never shy about arriving late, Microsoft(MSFT Quote) is expected to launch a new version of its search service Thursday as the software titan seeks a stronger spot in that lucrative corner of Internet advertising.

Consumers can expect a significant improvement over the so-called alpha version of algorithmic search unveiled this summer, which Charlene Li, a principal analyst with Forrester Research who covers media and marketing, simply called "ugly." The beta version will likely remain tucked away at a more obscure Internet site than Microsoft's flagship MSN address, but will likely move to MSN a couple of weeks later, Li speculated.

A representative for Microsoft called numerous media reports about the Thursday launch of a beta version of MSN search "speculation" and declined further comment. ...