[sonnyblarney]

"It is incredibly easy to start a search engine"

Yes, but it's impossible to build a quality one, that will compete with Google.

"Microsoft has been taking their shot for years, and so far it isn't working, but that's not because of barriers to entry. It's because they do not execute as well as Google does."

MSFT is one of the greatest companies in the world, with tons of high tech workers, brand recognition and the like. If they can't make a dent in search, then again I hold this up as evidence of monopoly.

When there is only 1 primary player, despite everything else, then that alone is evidence of monopoly.

If VC's could spend 1 Billion and take a piece out of Google - they would in a heartbeat.