Microsoft Tie-In Boosts Ask Jeeves

Ask Jeeves Inc. said Microsoft Corp. agreed to expand use of the Internet search service to help users find answers on the software maker’s customer-support Web site. Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed. The news pushed shares of Ask Jeeves up $17.88, or 35%, to $68.31 in heavy Nasdaq trading. The service provided by the Emeryville, Calif.-based company helps users find answers to questions they ask in conversational English.