Not sure why google is complaining.  Now it will be easier for Google.  Once Microsoft buys Yahoo, then google will only need to buy Microsoft to rule the world!!!  I will be one less step for Google.  :)

Buy doubleclick: Complete

Create Google Checkout: Complete

Buy youtube: Complete

Buy yahoo and microsoft: plan in progress

Rule the world: Pending, Estimated completion date 2012

On the serious side, it will be interesting if the deal is allowed.  I think Google will have a hard time trying to prevent it since yahoo and msn combined still do not match google's market share.

I think the fear is probably founded given the ownership of the desktop by combined MS/Yahoo but I still find it humorous - almost childlike - that's not fair mum!

rumors circulate that Google will infuse Yahoo! with talent to get them back on track.

I agree Al...they can hardly complain given their search domination...but chances are they will anyway, just to vent some of the frustrations they endured during the doubleclick deal.

the question remains - will the microsoft-yahoo deal make any difference to Google's ascendancy? As neither of them looked remotely close to bridging the gap, i'm skeptical anything will change in the search arena. if they're smart - they'll put search into a stable holding pattern and see how they can leverage their other strengths (i.e IM, portals etc).

i think combined they will have about 40% of the search market share wont they?
obviously this user base is non tech savvy, but that is still a fair chunk!

Guess what....Yahoo may go with Google. Yahoo's efforts to find an alternative bidder could simply be a measure to pressure Microsoft to boost its bid.

WSJ states - A person familiar with Google's thinking said the company believes Microsoft is using the same playbook it did in the 1990s to switch Windows users away from Web browser pioneer Netscape Communications to its own Internet Explorer.

Al, here's my view - On market share. Google has 77% with Yahoo at 11% & MS at 4%. If MS can carry on with its track record of changing things its way, market share does change/drop  for the biggies. Thats has been for eBay as well (though MS had no role to play)

Jackie, here's my view - One of google's biggest worry is the hefty counterweight on its mobile startegy.

1. MS has focused on mobile strategy through Wndows mobile operating system
2. Yahoo has foucsed on application, both individual as Flickr, & integrated suite as 'Go'.
3. A merger on the above platforms can be robust.
4. Yahoo is building a set of partnership including AT&T in U.S. Vodaphone & T Mobile in U.K.

Phew...lots a views out there....& a lot can happen

 

Thanks Bossman for your insights - I hadn't realized the mobile risk - and yet now you say it - it rings true. I have just changed phones (Australia's Next G) and its almost like a desktop on mobile - complete with windows live. Sure I could bookmark google and make that my choice but the lazy option is definitely live.