Bing’s parent is willing to invest $6 billion to $11 billion for five years

With an annual operating income at around $22.5 billion (using 2008 data), Microsoft’s boss Mr. Ballmer told a business luncheon in Chicago on Thursday that his company is willing to invest 5 to 10 percent of the annual operating income in decision engine business for up to five years.

"Our shareholders, I told them we were willing to spend 5 to 10 percent of operating income for up to five years in this business, and we feel like we can get an economic return," Mr. Ballmer, as reported by Reuters.

Bing decision engine continues to gain ground with web users for the past three consecutive weeks.  As reported early this week, comScore latest data showing Bing’s searcher penetration is now at 16.7%, compared to before launch at 13.7% (an increase of 3%).