Firefox to have Google as Default Search for 3 more years!

Firefox_browser_logoI was reading how Firefox might run out of money to develop their browser as their deal with Google was coming to an end. Some noted, that with Chrome around, Google might not want to make it easier for Firefox to raise money on a revenue sharing basis.

Google is the default search engine on Mozilla’s Firefox browser. This allowed Mozilla to earn revenues to continue funding the development of the Firefox browser.

Google and Mozilla have renewed this deal and as it is confidential. But it does mean Mozilla’s financial future seems more upbeat.

Why Google Needs Firefox and Vice-Versa

  • Google’s Chrome browser has seen fantastic growth and only recently it overtook Firefox. But Google hardly makes money from Chrome. What happens is people using Chrome end up using Google search and that in turn makes Google money.
  • Not being the default search engine for Firefox would have meant conceding a significant number of users to Bing or another search engine.
  • Also with Microsoft’s history of being difficult to work with when it comes to browsers, Firefox would prefer a deal with Google and not Bing.

The result of this is that Mozilla and Google will work together for another 3 years and Google will continue to be default search engine on all Firefox browsers.

What are your views? Do drop in your comments.

(via Mozilla Blog)

3 Comments

Rajeev kumar December 22, 2011

Mozilla had chosen the right move, this will benefit both financially as well as with the user-base.

hey!

But Google hardly makes money from Chrome. What happens is people using Chrome end up using Google search and that in turn makes Google money.

Didn’t you think the two sentence contradict each other?

Aditya Kane December 22, 2011

@Rajeev: The two sentences do not contradict as in Chrome does not make money for Google but search does. My point being winning the browser war is not that important for Google as having more people use Google is.

Rajeev kumar December 22, 2011

Yes! Understand the meaning of what, you want to say. It got fully clarified with your comment, thanks for that.