Hitwise research shows Microsoft's cash-back strategy is paying off

When Microsoft's Live Search cash back program was launched, it immediately became a laughing stock in the tech blogosphere. This week's release of Live Search Perks did nothing to change that perception. However, according to the latest research data from Hitwise, Microsoft's cash-back promotion has indeed been effective; it has helped Live.com maintain steady traffic, even as Google continues to increase its market share.