Yahoo-Microsoft Agreement Might Threaten Internet's Openness
Posted on: Monday, 17 March 2008, 12:40 CDT
Microsoft’s purchase proposal toward Yahoo is beginning to make Google Inc. panic. On Monday, Google representatives voiced their concerns about information accessibility in the instance that Microsoft eventually acquired Yahoo.Google’s Chief Executive Eric Schmidt told reporters that any acquisition of Yahoo by Microsoft would be a major concern. He stated, “We would hope that anything they did would be consistent with the openness of the Internet, but I doubt it would be.”
Last month’s offer from Microsoft of $44.6 billion was rejected by Yahoo’s board; the company said the offer was too low.
Schmidt says that Google is “concerned that there are things Microsoft could do that would be bad for the internet” if the purchase does occur . In an interview with reporters in Beijing, Schmidt referred to Microsoft’s history and “the things that it has done that have been so difficult for everyone.” His statement, however, lacked much insight or clarity.
That history Schmidt might be referencing is Microsoft’s near-monopoly. Last year, a 2004 decision to fine Microsoft was upheld in a European court, hitting Microsoft with a $695 million fine. The decision claimed that Microsoft abused its power to damage competitors.
Earlier this month, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer vowed that Microsoft would gain market share against Google in both web searching and online advertising. He pledged to do this even if it led to his “last breath” at Microsoft. Schmidt, however, made a statement that Google could handle a recession, due to its “highly measurable” advertising.
According to a Reuters poll, 22 of 23 financial analysts believe Microsoft will be successful in its purchase of Yahoo, possibly without even raising the price. Many of the analysts do agree that it would not be a wise use of the company’s money.
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Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports
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