An article from the New York Times today goes into some more details on speculation surrounding the Google-Pyra deal. It seems that Google has denied ambitions to enter the portal business, as it seemed to me earlier:

Chris Sherman, associate editor of the Search Engine Watch site, said the advertising possibilities were most likely an important consideration for Google.

One worry for Google, Mr. Sherman said, is that a blogging service will make Google look more like a portal, putting it in competition with companies like Yahoo and America Online that license its search technology.

Mr. Sherman said the company has denied any ambitions to become a portal. "It's a valid concern and I think it's something Google has to be very careful to avoid," he said.