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Microsoft CEO Takes Aim at Google

Ballmer says Google's Internet-ad dominance won't last

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Mar 7, 2008 10:39 AM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer did an animated, sometimes antic, on-stage interview yesterday at Mix, Microsoft’s annual conference for web developers, emphasizing that he has every intention of taking some of Google's advertising business and using Yahoo to do it, the Seattle Times reports. "Advertising on the Internet is a big thing, and will be the next super-big thing," he said. "Search ... at least today and for the foreseeable future, it is the killer application for online advertising."

Ballmer positioned Microsoft as the underdog in online service, saying Google has, depending on the country, 50 to 90% of the market. Asked why he doesn't sue them for antitrust, he said, "You want governments to sue people for antitrust." Ballmer also said industry changes are pushing Microsoft’s core products—its operating system and software—increasingly to the periphery as online applications mature. What he didn't say is whether he's seeking to buy the Seattle Sonics.

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, gestures while giving a speech during the opening ceremony of the CeBIT in Hanover, Germany, on Monday, March 3, 2008. The world's biggest IT fair will open its doors... (Associated Press)

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said Microsoft will take market share away from Google. (Associated Press)

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, addresses the media during a news conference at the CeBIT in Hanover, northern Germany, on Monday, March 3, 2008. The world's biggest IT fair will be opened by Ballmer,... (Associated Press)

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Microsoft CEO Takes Aim at Google

Ballmer says Google's Internet-ad dominance won't last

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Google Gets Europe's OK to Buy Motorola

But regulators in EU, United States will monitor for antitrust

Lawsuit: We Invented the Web, So Pay Up Google

Eolas Technologies patent claims interactive web is its brainchild

Google, Yahoo, 13 Others Declare War on Phishing

New set of standards could make email more trustworthy

Could Google's Alfred Rival Siri?

After criticizing Siri, Android looks to follow

Yahoo Attracts Many Suitors, Weak Offers

$20.6B price way down from 2008

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Microsoft CEO Takes Aim at Google

Ballmer says Google's Internet-ad dominance won't last

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Yahoo • Google • Microsoft • Apple • Steve Ballmer • Internet advertising • Guy Kawasaki • web services

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Google Gets Europe's OK to Buy Motorola

But regulators in EU, United States will monitor for antitrust

Lawsuit: We Invented the Web, So Pay Up Google

Eolas Technologies patent claims interactive web is its brainchild

Google, Yahoo, 13 Others Declare War on Phishing

New set of standards could make email more trustworthy

Could Google's Alfred Rival Siri?

After criticizing Siri, Android looks to follow

Yahoo Attracts Many Suitors, Weak Offers

$20.6B price way down from 2008

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?