Google's Growing Grasp

To fend off Microsoft and other foes, the search giant is bulking up on partnerships.

What does Google search for? Over the past few months, the Web titan has been looking for new partners. It has teamed with Intuit to enable small-business owners to manage Google ad campaigns, partnered with eBay to offer "click-to-call" ads that connect online shoppers to sellers, joined with MySpace to supply the social network's search and advertising, and helped MTV distribute video clips with ads tacked on.