Google Deal Divides Travel Industry As Kayak Registers For IPO

NY TIMES - Dec 27 - Six months ago, Google announced its intention to buy the company that made it easy for travelers to compare airfares, ITA Software, for $700M. The acquisition, if approved, would let Google digest ITA, which was founded in the 1990s and has become the leading provider of flight data to airlines, travel agents, global distribution systems, flight comparison sites and technology companies. This fall, a coalition that included Expedia and Kayak formed FairSearch.org to push regulators to thwart the deal. Microsoft recently joined the cause. Kayak, in registering to file its IPO, suggested that a combined Google-ITA could present a risk to its business. Orbitz has stated publicly that it is neutral on the deal. Priceline, in a public filing, cited Google as a risk factor. FULL ARTICLE @ NY TIMES

Mark Brooks: Where is the 'Kayak.com' of the idating industry? Lycos failed with their comparison engine in 2005. It required sites to send weekly data flat files, and then Lycos paid out on a per registrant database. Canoodle, powered by EasyDate, has packed together some of their internal brands. Courtland Brooks is advising Dating Starts Here, meanwhile. DSH is founded by Chris Walker, a Yale grad who was one of the people behind the Harvard/Yale 'Operation Match' punchcard based dating service launched in the 60's.