With the search deal finally culminating between Yahoo and Microsoft, what does the future hold for mobile search between the two giants?

Obviously a significant push to out Google as the number one mobile search provider is the number one goal, but how will they do it?  Will the two utilize Yahoo’s search technology, Bing’s quickly growing technology or combine the two moving forward.  It’s a big decision, and one that won’t be decided on a whim.

So far, Yahoo said that it hasn’t made any definitive decision as of yet, stating only that it “will carefully consider whether and how to implement Microsoft’s mobile search services, and our approach may differ on a country-by-country basis,” according to Investor’s Business Daily.

Looking at the numbers, taking on Microsoft’s largely un-tested mobile search technology might not be the best idea- In June, Yahoo ranked No. 2 in mobile search with more than 5.5 million visitors, whereas Microsoft ranked No. 4 with more than 2 million visitors.  Even together, the two wouldn’t be able to beat Google, which had a commanding lead with 22 million visitors.

The only saving grace in terms of the two companies competing against Google is the fact that together, Yahoo and Microsoft now have exclusive mobile search partnerships with 3 out of the 4 wireless carriers in the US- presumably making it the largest mobile search provider in the US.  Still, having the upper hand with wireless carrier partnerships doesn’t mean it will un-seat Google anytime soon.

It’s a war that will be interesting to watch.  In my opinion, Yahoo will likely hand over the search aspect of their business – both mobile and traditional – to Microsoft so they can focus more on investing in other technologies that have less competition.  We’ll have to let this one play out and see what happens.