Analysts said today's release of the test version of Microsoft's own search algorithm would prove far more important, in the long run, than what they termed the largely cosmetic changes it is making to its MSN search site. Emulating Google, the site has a clean, uncluttered feel.

"The most important thing is Microsoft is delivering a search product of its own," said Danny Sullivan, editor of searchenginewatch.com, an online newsletter that tracks the search engine industry. "The fact they are making other changes on the site is not significant. They are giving their existing site [MSN] a face lift, which search providers tend to do all the time."

In addition to releasing a new search service, Microsoft adjusted some of its policies for displaying search results. Beginning today, Microsoft said it would no longer permit Web sites to pay fees to ensure that they are included in Web searches on MSN. Instead, Web sites will be included in searches based on their relevance, the company said.

Google has called the practice of accepting such payments from Web sites "evil" and vowed never to adopt it. Microsoft said it could change its position on the issue in the future, depending on what research shows about the best way to meet the needs of consumers.

Microsoft's adoption of new practices in search will hurt Yahoo, which currently provides the technology for searches on MSN. While Yahoo's technology will continue to power searches on MSN in the coming months, Microsoft suggested it eventually plans to replace Yahoo, on MSN, with a fully developed version of its own search engine.

Analysts said Microsoft's move increases pressure on Yahoo to consider changing its practice of accepting payments from Web sites that wish to be included in searches. But Yahoo officials said yesterday that they have no intention of dropping the practice, which they said helps to ensure that relevant Web sites do not get overlooked.

"It is business as usual here," said Yahoo spokeswoman Stephanie Ichinose, adding that many of its search results are "fresher and more relevant" as a result of the fees paid by some Web sites to ensure more frequent updates.

Some industry experts said Yahoo's search results appear biased by the practice of accepting fees for placement and said Microsoft was savvy to align itself with Google on the issue. "It leaves them isolated," Sullivan said of Yahoo. "It leaves Yahoo as the only one out there with an assumed taint to their results. Regardless of whether it is true, that taint will still be there."