Dev Connection

Ed Burnette

Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

By Ed Burnette | May 4, 2008, 3:44pm PDT

Summary: Over the weekend, Microsoft announced that it was ending its bid to buy Yahoo!. The proposed deal, and its ultimate demise, was the subject of speculation for weeks. Now that it’s over, what do you think about the outcome? Are you happy with the decision for the two companies not to combine? Feel free to [...]

Over the weekend, Microsoft announced that it was ending its bid to buy Yahoo!. The proposed deal, and its ultimate demise, was the subject of speculation for weeks. Now that it’s over, what do you think about the outcome? Are you happy with the decision for the two companies not to combine? Feel free to elaborate on your vote in the comments.

Poll

Microsoft walks away from Yahoo!: Good or bad?

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Ed Burnette

Ed Burnette is a software industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience as a programmer, author, and speaker. He has written numerous technical articles and books, most recently "Hello, Android: Introducing Google's Mobile Development Platform" from the Pragmatic Programmers.

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Krom597 7th May 2008

We've seen the kind of tactics that Microsoft is pulling from other companies as well. Trying to branch out to a myriad number of other technologies, when you core technology is having problems is reason for most companies to ditch their leadership. We've seen this in the past with companies like, Corel, Borland, as well as many others. Microsoft needs to get back to the basics and define their main technology, Operating Systems. With Vista as much as a disappointment as it is, Microsoft is in trouble.

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Almost certainly good

jonfingas 4th May 2008

Microsoft really seemed to be looking at a Yahoo takeover
as a cure-all -- and when a company does that, it usually
means that the company is going to drag down the outside
firm. It either has no idea what to do with the property or
a whole set of built-up illusions of what the other
company is like (which likely explains Microsoft's bid in the
first place).

Yahoo might not be on fire, but I really wouldn't want to
see Flickr or Yahoo News subsumed into Windows Live.
And Microsoft is really losing its focus; I wonder whether
they really want to be in the OS business!

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Microsoft will morph into a media/entertainment company

fr0thy2 5th May 2008

as the revenues from "one click fits all" OS's and apps declines.

Agile and industry bespoke software is the new way, and they can't compete with that.

This bid was all about desperation, confusion, market manipulation, fear of Google but at least a recognition that Yahoo is indeed a heavyweight with a direction.

We can look forward to a week or so of anal-ysts talking about life purely from the short term greed perspective. The pigs will do a short term run on Yahoo (they only ever do short term). The medium term is now looking VERY dangerous for Microsoft. There'll be a run on Microsoft before too long. Vapourware and Alphaware isn't the same as RC1.

A victory for Internet democracy. Well done Jerry. Well done Yahoo.

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Internal drivers...

David Gale 5th May 2008

Internal drivers inside Microsoft mean that 'what's best for Microsoft' isn't at the top of the agenda for the cabal of senior executives marshalling for position. If you're aligning yourself with a product group in anticipation of a 'split and sell', the LAST thing you want is for Microsoft to become a media / services company BEFORE you've made your money.

It's all about assets, and the people squabbling over them are the same thieving selfish b*stards that stole everyone else's ideas, so don't expect them to show mercy to their own corporation when there's a buck to be made.

Kinda poetic, don't you think...?

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LOL...NT

ItsTheBottomLine 5th May 2008

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

hpbear149 5th May 2008

well, it's simple. the merger would never have done well, anyway. the yahoo techies would have never gotten along with the guys working for redmond (but located sometimes im mumbai). and even if they were able to start working together, either the DoJ, the chinese, or the EU would have never allowed the merger.

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I made significant investment

Voodoo187 5th May 2008

in the YUI tools available from developer.yahoo.com, and don't know what would happen to them if MS got a hold of them. I could just stay with the version I have but I want updates, and I'd rather have Yahoo be the one. My company's about to make some other major investments in these tools as well. And we've been moving away from MS software in general. YUI is excellent though, so I'd rather not lose that.

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We build on FOSS

fr0thy2 5th May 2008

for that very reaon.

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FOSS is the future because it's about co-operation.

james.faction 5th May 2008

Competition is the old model that Microsoft thrived under.

Co-operation, when it's done right, achieves far more with the same resources than a model based on competition ever will.

Competition, aka capitalism, is based on unlimited growth and unlimited resources. We're all slowly becoming very aware now that there is not unlimited resources. The petrol price at the pump now is but one sign of that.

The only way to make the best out of resources that are not unlimited is through co-operation, which is what the FOSS model is based on.

That's why FOSS is getting stronger every day now. The FOSS model results in a win for everyone who co-operates. That's why it's the future. That's why Microsoft is both working with the open source community much more now, as well as flailing about hopelessly looking for new revenue streams.

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People use yahoo dev tools? wow!

pcguy777 5th May 2008

...didnt know that.

What i do know, is that yahoo stock dropped 15 bucks a share today, somewhere in the 23 dollar range. I wonder what it will be in a few weeks... 10?

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Yahoo has led the way

jorjitop 5th May 2008

Many of the most useful tools on the internet were brought to us by Yahoo. I trust them more than Google or Microsoft. Both of them just copied other products, though admittedly, Google has done a better job on search. I would hate to see all of Yahoo's functionality subsumed and destroyed by Microsoft.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

cne@... 5th May 2008

One less monopoly to worry about. When does Apple die, so I can be completely satisfied!!!

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Apple is a monopoly??

niallfromdublin@... 5th May 2008

Where was I when that happened?

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

sokushi jonez 5th May 2008

The merger between Microsoft and Yahoo made absolutely no sense at all. Steve Ballmer should be fired for even bringing it up. When is Microsoft going to get off the dime and start INNOVATING? Vista blows. Office is an also run. Zune is a waste of time. XBOX 360 has a steaming pile of disappointed owners. Microsoft really has nothing new that isn't a can of worms. Nothing that really shines. Nothing that compels people to go out and BUY Microsoft products with a great big smile on their faces. Nope. Nothing.

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No Microhoo for you:

spincitysd@... 5th May 2008

Both companies need to rethink and reorganize. There is a leadership / management failure at each of the companies. Both need to do a little creative destruction and clear out the dead wood.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

ditkazbearz 5th May 2008

Yahoo will be gone in 5 years unless someone like Microsoft partners or buys them.

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Don't count on that!

wblacroix@... 5th May 2008

Don't count on that! Yahoois old reliable, has a large user base, has plenty of advertisers. It may be a little different but still be there.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

JayMar13 5th May 2008

I would have loved to short sell Yahoo on FRI morning on an uptick. I would be quite wealthy by now with Yahoo losing 20% off. But... Bill Gates is no dummy, he'll come back with a tender offer at much-much less than the $37 Yahoo wanted, even much less that the $34 MS final offer. I bet they'll pick it up at $30 saving a few billion$.

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maybe microsoft did sell short on yahoo (and banked baby)

pcguy777 5th May 2008

and perhaps they made a few more billion on that.

is it possible that someone could plan something like that?

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

dfarrich@... 5th May 2008

I applaud Yahoo for not knuckling under to pressure from the hog - Microsoft. Like their CEO, I agree with him - it's the principle of the thing. Yahoo is a good product and once gobbled up by the "big guy" would wax into obscurity and would surely require hundreds of updates and service packs before the next releast appeared that didn't work.

One for the little guy.....

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

mlrodman@... 5th May 2008

Personally I think the shareholders of Yahoo are getting the short end of the stick. Yahoo management failed them miserably. I guess they won't have to pay taxes on their capital gains though.

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the smart employees who have vested should have sold! sold! sold!

pcguy777 5th May 2008

they would have banked bigtime, if they did.

there's gotta be one or two doods who did that and transferred that wealth into their Personal IRA's or whatever....

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Very Very Bad.........

chaz15 5th May 2008

I personally think it's very bad, because Yahoo will limp on in it's present form as a very second-rate search engine.
With Finance from MS, it could have developed into real competition for Google.
Development of first rate search algorithms needs a good market impetus.
Also needed VERY MUCH is a commercial/ business free search engine, for the many times when we are NOT looking for sales pitches or commerce orientated web pages.

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second place is not the same as second-rate.

james.faction 5th May 2008

nt.

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Your expectations are unreal

TristanGrimaux 6th May 2008

You think the MERGE would make Yahoo better than Google? Microsoft has a horrible internet dpt. and this is because it does not understand what "The Internet" is. You begin saying "It's a public place...", and Microsoft is already lost.

Microsoft and Yahoo (and Google) can create what you are asking for without the need to embrace. If the market needs it, the three are very well funded to perform. It's not about money or size.

In this rare case, Steve Ballmer and his "walk away" strategy is the first thing he does and is "good for everyone". It's so crazy I wounder if the old Stevie is not afraid of an intervention.

The awful Vista, Microhoo failed merge and poor leadership are really hurting this big co. Imagine, on top of that, Microsoft with a big debt, no cash, and a full year of battling against EU regulations, its incredible! It's so good for everyone that I have started to count how much is the Monkey Boy going to keep his own chair.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

jaimerh 5th May 2008

Does it REALLY matter?
So many options out there right now ...

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MicrSoft Needs to Fix VISTA and leave My Yahoo Alone

robertr@... 5th May 2008

YAHOO is doing great without MICROSOFT! They continue to lead the way in WEB services, and their strategic alliances with other companies such as AT&T. Microsoft on the other hand is causing my customers all kinds of grief with their over bloated VISTA OS being corrupted with 3RD Party Drivers and simple software updates such as NORTON.

Microsoft needs to spend their resources on resolving Vista issues and enhance its performance. Leave YAHOO alone!

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

DV3 5th May 2008

I question that the services Yahoo provides currently (Discussion groups, etc.) would continue under Microsoft at the same cost and quality, which is not to say that Yahoo's qualiety is always exemplary. I also wonder about my privacy under Microsoft .....

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Yahoo! No Microhoo!!

rslutz@... 5th May 2008

As an individual, I am elated!! I have used Yahoo! services since before there was a Google and I like Yahoo! as my portal, and I'm one of those few people who really like Yahoo! Music as well. An MS takeover would've meant abandoning years as a loyal subscriber to shift to Google or other options. I simply won't tolerate anything Microsoft! That's simply the way it is. Once upon a time, I was an MS apologist (way back in the 80's and most of the 90's). However, too many years of MS abuse cured me of that.

As an IT analyst with more than 20 years experience, I'm also pretty sure this deal would've been in Yahoo's long-term economic interest. Even with the people like me who would've abandoned Yahoo, a Microhoo would've been a stronger competitor to Google; and competition mostly drives things forward.

So, for me, my heart has prevailed over my head. Yahoo! No Microhoo!

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Your right... Im sure only people in the USA have such brand loyalty

pcguy777 5th May 2008

most everybody.. just wants email, youtube, and their few favorite blogs anyways...

A merger wouldn't have changed much. (except ego's)

There a 10 good options for every type of mainstream service out there anyways.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

lostjohn1 5th May 2008

Nop It Just A Better Program Now were Did I Put That Windoes Xp -Vista - Windows 7 Install Cd

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

lostjohn1 5th May 2008

OOOPs Sad Sad And In This Corner Microwhoo An in This Corner Yhooo!!!! Is The Winner

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

pwhea@... 5th May 2008

I have been following these events and I have noticed the effects on yahoo for the past couple of weeks - I don't know if it is possible for Microsoft to corrupt yahoo in some way - I suppose it would be pretty easy for their programmers - Yahoo has been diabolical since this merger was on the cards.
It is possible that it is down to Internet traffic because of the Playstaion 3 online games and these Dam Ipods which are slowly dragging the network down.
I am happy that the merger is not now going ahead, I have never liked MSN messenger and wouldn't like to see Microsoft's influence on my Yahoo mail accountas well.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

gesi28@... 5th May 2008

I think that the merge between this two companys would be good. Firts microsoft could learn a thing or two about customer relationship from yahoo. Also, and the most important thing, it would simplify the web experience for many users, because you would have more services in one place instead of having them apart wich some times is messy. Say for instance Yahoo messenger and live messenger, I have them both, because of the calling features of yahoo in one side (I like them better than the ones in windows live messenger); in the other side i like better the UI for messanging of MS messenger.

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agreed

pcguy777 5th May 2008

the merger might have given them more options, and expanded their customer relationship perspective like you said.

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I like messenger

jns_45K@... 6th May 2008

If my understanding of MS is correct, their would be a wholesale removal of all non MS constructs within a year or two. Having two IM services would not make sense as it would be duplicate programs. As an MS executive might be sacked for promoting an non MS product, it would only make sense to have the superior MS product remain.

Cant believe the MS takeover would have been a good thing as the Yahoo operation would likely "other" software. The choice for MS would naturally be to combine communities into the MS oriented sphere MSN. Having not chosen to pay a fees to signup for MSN, I cannot evaluate the "beauty" of the MS world and systems offered.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

ICEhole 5th May 2008

I have never posted a comment in one of these zdnet threads, but I felt so strongly about this topic that hearing this great news has brought me here to post my delight about the final outcome. I was so worried that yet another great service would be over run by Microsoft, one that I use very much, that being Yahoo. I have never been a Microsoft hater but over the last few years I have started to lean that way. In fact I have plans for a Ubuntu PC in the very near future and this had more to do with my dislike of Microsoft then my love of Linux. I have come to enjoy Yahoo very much over the years and if they were to be owned by Microsoft I was surely going to become a full fledged Google fanboy. And with that LONG LIVE YAHOOOOOOO

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I agree

wells18 5th May 2008

I'm glad Microsoft stepped away. I love using yahoo and didn't want it to change. I've been with them a long, long time.

I also run a dual boot system with window and ubuntu. I prefer Ubuntu because it runs much faster and the open source programs available are pretty good. Also I can work on my laptop with battery much longer while running Ubuntu. Now it does take some work at times to get it to work, but it is worth it.

And LONG LIVE YAHOOOOO!!!!

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

grvdm@... 5th May 2008

Very good for us consumers.The merger would have not helped the public, only increased the pockets of the giant. Remember every time you click on a link it's money in the bank for them. Just think about it and figure the math.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

grvdm@... 5th May 2008

RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?
Good for the consumer. Goliath will continue to improve. Under the giant it would have been swallowed as revenue only. Just figure the math and your answer to this question will be no brainer. Yahoo on it's own is "a good thing".

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

SirCatlord 5th May 2008

Everything Microsoft touches, turns to sh**.

Remember hotmail? You used to be able to access it with outlook express. Soon, M$ changed hotmail...taking away the options like filter and Pop3....unless you were willing to PAY for the Hotmail Plus.

Microsoft ME.....Vista....even the first models of X-box 360 caught on fire and Halo-360 were shipped out with 10,000 defective disks.

Micro$oft just needs to back off....fix the defective products they have already and stop trying to take over the world.

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

totefrosch 5th May 2008

Microsoft isn't exactly famous for their Quality Assurance ... are they?

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RE: Poll: No Microhoo for you: Good or bad?

noodleweb 6th May 2008

Who really wants microsoft to dominate the web anyway?
http://www.failyilife.com

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There is something rotten in this poll

TristanGrimaux 6th May 2008

Congratulations Stevie, the vast mayoritie is backing your decision... wait... in the other hand, only a tiny fraction supports you on your first move...

So congrats again! YOU LEARN... wait... no... it's not that.

Let's ponder the numbers: You are NOT supporting the merge if you are:

a Microsoft supporter , and you know this buy would break the company

a Yahoo supporter and you were afraid Microsoft would brake the company

a Microsoft hater , and you remember Microsoft destroyed every company it aquired

a Google Lover and you thing Microhoo was going to put a shadow over the "do no evil" co.

a Freedom Figther and you think a good competition starts with three people.

a Microsoft shareholder

In the other side, you are pro MERGE if you are:

a twisted Microsoft hater waiting for the company to colapse

a vulture with Yahoo shares in your hand (but you've already made your profit, haven't you?)

Steve Ballmer

So, why is the Big Monkey taking the away path... is he trying to teach Yahoo a lesson? He was so infuriated with the Yahoos that the only lesson he could think of was tearing them apart.

So I am going to give you what is (in my humble opinion) a very interesting poll:

WHY Mr Ballmer is walking the merge away?

The choices:

a) Mr Ballmer is taking his medication, again.

b) Mr B may have a flying chair himself (after all)

c) The Google boys told Mr Ballmer they think the "M idea" is awesome

d) All of the above

e) None of the above and I am Steve Ballmer.

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There is something rotten in this poll (revisited)

TristanGrimaux 6th May 2008

Congratulations Stevie, the vast mayoritie is backing your decision... wait... in the other hand, only a tiny fraction supports you on your first move...

Let's ponder the numbers: You are NOT supporting the merge if you are:

a Microsoft supporter , and you know this buy would break the company;

a Yahoo supporter and you were afraid Microsoft would brake the company;

a Microsoft hater , and you remember Microsoft destroyed every company it aquired;

a Google Lover and you thing Microhoo was going to put a shadow over the "do no evil" co.;

a Freedom Figther and you think a good competition starts with three people.;

a Microsoft shareholder

In the other side, you are pro MERGE if you are:

a twisted Microsoft hater waiting for the company to colapse;

a vulture with Yahoo shares in your hand (but you've already made your profit, haven't you?);

Steve Ballmer

So, why is the Big Monkey taking the away path... is he trying to teach Yahoo a lesson? He was so infuriated with the Yahoos that the only lesson he could think of was tearing them apart.

So I am going to give you what is (in my humble opinion) a very interesting poll:

WHY Mr Ballmer is walking the merge away?

The choices:

a) Mr Ballmer is taking his medication, again;

b) Mr B may have a flying chair himself (after all);

c) The Google boys told Mr Ballmer they think the "M idea" is awesome;

d) All of the above;

e) None of the above and I am Steve Ballmer.