WebProNews

Lexar Media and Google have reached a deal which will see Google's search tools pre-installed on Lexar's USB JumpDrives.

"While these popular applications have traditionally been available on the Web directly from Google and other Web affiliates, offering them on a Lexar JumpDrive provides a new channel to reach customers," said Steffen Hellmold, vice president of USB flash drives at Lexar.

Customers who use a JumpDrive would plug the device into a USB port on their computer, where they can choose to automatically install Google products. Lexar said it expects the offering to make it easier for users to search documents, photos, music and other data stored on their JumpDrive.

Let's hope that "choose to automatically install Google products" is clearly labelled. Do you know how many times Adobe has tried to install Yahoo's toolbar each time I update? Sheesh.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but I would not be surprised if it involved Google buying a whole boatload of branded USB kits to send out to AdWords advertisers. ;-)

Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world's most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian.

You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com.