Source: Bloomberg
Summary
IAC, the owner of Ask.com, announced it will discontinue its search business. The decision comes as the company focuses on more profitable ventures. Ask.com was once a popular search engine, but its usage has declined significantly in recent years. IAC reported a significant loss in its search business last year. The company will redirect Ask.com users to other search engines.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious.
IAC is discontinuing Ask.com’s search business, a move that’s not exactly surprising given its decline in usage. The company will redirect users to other search engines, because that’s not something we’ve seen before. Ask.com was once a popular search engine, but that was a long time ago. The company’s focus on more profitable ventures is a nice way of saying it’s giving up on search.
Author: Evan Null
Search Engines: A Cycle of Rebirth and Rebranding
It’s not uncommon for search engines to rise and fall in popularity, only to be reborn or rebranded in some way. Ask.com is just the latest example of this cycle.
The End of an Era (Again)
Ask.com’s decline is a reminder that even once-popular search engines can fall out of favor. Its discontinuation marks the end of an era, but it’s likely not the last we’ve seen of search engine shake-ups.
Redirecting Users: The New Normal
IAC’s decision to redirect Ask.com users to other search engines is a familiar tactic. It’s a move that’s been done before and will likely be done again in the future.
A Loss in the Search Business
IAC reported a significant loss in its search business last year, which likely contributed to its decision to discontinue Ask.com’s search capabilities.
A Focus on Profitability
IAC’s focus on more profitable ventures is a strategic move, but it’s also a sign that the company is giving up on search. It’s a reminder that, in the world of tech, sometimes it’s better to know when to fold ’em.
