Microsoft to Integrate Twitter and Facebook Statuses

Several sources are stating that Microsoft is looking to sign deals with both Twitter and Facebook that will incorporate status updates to the search engine’s results. While nothing has been announced officially (Mashable reports an announcement is expected later today), it definitely turns the tables on search. For one, Twitter has been perceived as a threat to Google because of its real-time search capabilities. If this deal goes through, Microsoft’s Bing will have an advantage over other search engines because of its ability to incorporate real-time results.

Nevertheless, because the deals would be non-exclusive, neither Twitter nor Facebook would be tied to just one search engine. Google can just as quickly come in and make its own deals. There are still many questions to ask concerning this news. Who will benefit the most from this deal? Although Twitter is based solely on updates, Facebook isn’t limited to 140 character updates. Facebook also has more users. Most importantly, how will this affect the choices users make on which search engines to use?