I can say it's a good deal because it coincides with Microsoft's search strategy. That strategy doesn't seem to require that their decisions be fiscally rewardi

I can say it's a good deal because it coincides with Microsoft's search strategy. That strategy doesn't seem to require that their decisions be fiscally rewarding (I assume they're going after a really long tail). Money isn't something Microsoft really has to sweat. They have decided that they want to have a go of having a search product. They fully realize that to do this will require them to spend a lot of money (essentially buying market position). There will be a load of Blackberrys which will have Bing installed (even if Blackberry market share declines). Therefore, I think this is a "good deal" for Microsoft. Whatever they're paying, they seem to be happy about it.