Microsoft has been seeking to land new OEM search deals with various PC makers (like Lenovo) as a way to grow more quickly its lagging search market share. Not to forget their web search deal with Linspire too.
Mary Jo Foley reports that Microsoft and Dell have signed a deal via which Dell will be shipping new PCs with the Live Search toolbar preinstalled, according to sources familiar with the arrangement between the two companies. Microsoft officials declined to comment on the alleged deal, as did Dell officials. Officials with both companies said they would not comment on "rumors and speculation."
Foley also added that her sources say Microsoft has offered Dell sweet enough terms to entice the PC maker to replace its search-preload deal with Google with a comparable offering from Microsoft. OEM deals are just one way Microsoft is looking to grow its search share.