Microsoft will charge $40/mo for 20K queries for access to the Bing Search API

Let's see what happens to DuckDuckGo now, since it's dependent on Bing.

I really hope DDG have thought out a backup plan, I am an avid user of their amazing service

I didn't even know Bing Search API let you just query it. IMO they should have done more evangalism before starting to charge. Has someone used this to re-create the classic Google search experience that Google has shit all over recently?<p>On a different note, it seems both Google and Microsoft are in a battle to first commoditize the other's core product and then start charging. Google's getting more aggressive with charging for Apps. And now Microsoft with the index.

This is too bad. The Bing API was a great service. I wish they would keep a free plan for hobbyists.<p>A side project of mine is a search engine for coders (www.gigglebang.com) which I'll now have to take down or put ads on.

It's interesting that Microsoft is planning to charge more than Yahoo! Boss for access to the same data. BOSS charges $0.80 per 1000 queries, while Microsoft is priced at $2 per 1000 queries. BOSS is also pay-as-you-go with no monthly minimum. BOSS has less restrictive terms and conditions (re-ordering allowed, for instance). I've been using the Bing API instead of Yahoo! BOSS for my metasearch engine for two reasons: the feed is free, and the response time is faster. The Microsoft/BOSS prices are not unreasonable if you are actively monetizing your page with search ads, but if you are doing an experimental search engine it is very stressful. If I suddenly get a surge in traffic, I could be broke very quickly.

Disappointing, but I understand. I use the Bing APIs, probably only 4K to 5K calls per year, but useful. I don't think it is worth $40/month to me.