So most of you have probably heard about Microsoft's bid for Yahoo and now Google has posted a response. Now, I loves me the Google, but is it just me or is that post a bit 1990's "OMG remember M$ are the sux0rs, they will crap on the internet just like they crapped on your PC!" kind of feel to it. It's all speculative with a negative slant on all the assumed results. For example
"In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts"
So what? I'm all for that if it simplifies how many different channels there are to contacting my friends. I hated back in the day with my ICQ account, my AIM account, my Yahoo chat account, and I had a Windows Messenger account for a bit too. It was dumb and inconvenient. Incidentally, I'd actually like to see OpenID in place.
I'm kind of in the camp that this is a deal that both Microsoft and Yahoo need. MS need to get serious about their internet strategy (besides the atrocity that is Hotmail) and Yahoo provides that net. Likewise Yahoo is in dire need of some strategy AT ALL, and whether you like Microsoft's tactics from the past, no one can deny that they get results. Now, to sound COMPLETELY naive, I have a feeling that Microsoft is well aware of their reputation and user perception in the PC market and their internet strategy needs to be vastly different. I also think they have a lot to learn from Yahoo and an acquisition would also include an extensive developer network, which I think would be a good thing for Microsoft (as long as they don't squash it, which I don't see happening).
Google's own moves to block the deal. Look who's a bit shady now with weekend calls and pulling out their Washington lobbyists. Nobody wants anybody to monopolize the internet, but you know what? This also means you Google. I don't mind if they oppose the deal because of business interests, but I have to be skeptical when companies say they are acting on my behalf to look out for my best interest.