Comments for Internet Explorer 8 Has Arrived

Poll: Has Google Lost The Plot By Attacking Microsoft's Bid For Yahoo?

2008-02-03T21:54:46Z

While I was flying halfway across the world, a huge story developed that I am just now catching up on: Microsoft launched a takeover bid for Yahoo valued at $44.6 Billion. In a frankly stunning move today, the Official Google Blog has published a post raising questions about "Microsoft's hostile bid for Yahoo!." David Drummond, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer for Google, wonders whether Microsoft could "now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC?"

]]> Further, Drummond queries whether Microsoft-Yahoo could "extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet?". Specifically he referred to email, IM, and web-based services. He also says that the bid threatens “the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation.”

It's an incredible piece of PR and, some might suggest, fear-mongering. But let's throw these questions open. Let us know in the following poll what you think about Google's response to Microhoo!.

UPDATE: Microsoft has responded to the Google blog post. In a statement from Brad Smith, General Counsel, Microsoft states that "the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling number two competitor for Internet search and online advertising"; areas where of course Google is number one. The lawyers are sniping, this battle is getting heated...

Comment from Alex Iskold on 2008-02-03

2008-02-04T00:04:51Z

Not sure why google choose this route. it might be hypocritical at worst and naive at best. in any event, this is a SUPER complex transaction, and even if Yahoo! agrees will take ages to approve and then to absorb. Google is not in any immediate danger here.

Comment from Search◆ Engines WEB on 2008-02-03

2008-02-04T06:49:34Z

Duh, Google was in talks with Yahoo during 2005 - now they are in merger talks again to react to Microsoft's hostile takeover bid - according to sources leaked to several Journalists and Bloggers a few hours ago

Comment from xavierv on 2008-02-04

2008-02-04T11:27:05Z

It's a bit surprising to see c-executives being so defensive regarding a business hostility. The usual talk goes more like "We're not worried, we're number and here to stay".

Not today. That has to mean something.
Google To Yahoo! "Don't Be Gates"

Comment from Robert on 2008-02-04

2008-02-04T12:33:46Z

And so how would that be different from Google's own inappropriate influence over the internet? Google self proclaims do no evil, but as it has become a large dominant company it doesn't always stick to that mantra. They have no problem with not enforcing their own rules/standards for advertising with them and allowing unfair advertising on their platform so they can make a few more dollars. (And if anyone from Google wants to dispute that then I can prove cases where complaints were made to Google which they acknowledged as being valid complaints but then refused to take any action over it).

The future of the internet does require a decent competitor to Google, both as search users to get an alternative set of results, and as advertisers to have a viable alternative - otherwise one company ends up with too much power. Yes, Microsoft does have a poor track record when it comes to competitive actions, and I think the regulators should take steps to ensure they wouldn't repeat that in the internet space, but the same rules should equally be applied to Google too as they become more dominant.

Comment from Jose Miguel Cansado on 2008-02-04

2008-02-04T16:35:53Z

Google should better attack Microsoft where it hurts, and launch Google Linux (why not Goobuntu) to hit hard on Windows and Office that brings billions in profits to Microsoft.

http://tech-talk.biz/2008/02/04/the-best-defense-is-attack-goobuntu/