Google's top lawyer has penned a letter outlining a number of concerns it sees if Microsoft's bid for Yahoo goes through.
In the letter, "Yahoo and the future of the Internet," Google chief legal officer David Drummond says that Microsoft's offer "raises troubling questions" given the company's monopolistic past.
"This is about more than simply a financial transaction, one company taking over another," Drummond said. "It's about preserving the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation.
Drummond warns that Microsoft could attempt the same things it did in in the PC market, ultimately stifling new ideas. It also says a combined Microsoft-Yahoo would have an "overwhelming share" in instant messaging and Web mail.
"Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions--and consumers deserve satisfying answers," Drummond wrote.
Google and Microsoft frequently trade complaints on how the other is a monopoly and shouldn't be able to do whatever the other wants to do.
This article was first published as a blog on CNET News.com.
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From the look of it, google is quite afraid of the implication of merger between Yahoo and Microsoft.
Personally I dont like that to happen cos it means another 'microsoftation' of another Internet avenue. Look at hotmail, no innovation after microsoft bought it over. stagnant for so long before they finally did a revamp to improve its features and functionalities.
Yahoo has a special and more vibrant culture, Jus look at MSN sites, so boring...
If they merge, i'm sure they will make thier IM more compatible. but I hate microsoft passport.
Posted by Joe Nashe on Monday, February 04 2008 06:53 PM