It's potentially the biggest internet deal for many years, with financial analysts considering what impact Microsoft's proposed takeover of Yahoo will have on the IT industry. But we want to know how the acquisition would affect end users.
What we'd love and hate about Micro-hoo
So we've put together our list of the pros and cons of the deal, looking forward a few years to see what changes Microsoft could make to Yahoo, and how they affect the internet giant's services.
It's the year 2010. Microsoft owns Yahoo and has just changed the name of Flickr to Microsoft Flickr Live Photo-Sharing Service for Digital Camera Enthusiasts. The service is still free, but Windows Vista users will have to validate their copy of Vista as 'genuine' first to use it. What has Microsoft wrought?
That's just one of the nightmares we can foresee from a Microsoft-Yahoo merger. But some good things could ensue for computer users too. Here's what we'd love - and hate - to see happen.
Love: Sending a wake-up call to Google
Google has been untouchable in many aspects when it comes to search, web innovations and free cool services such as Google Maps. But perhaps Google has grown too complacent. While we are waiting to see what becomes of Google's mobile strategy, we're less enthralled by services such as Knol. We want to see the combined force of Microsoft and Yahoo give Google an honest run for its money when it comes to innovative online services.
Hate: Goodbye, beloved services
The shuttering of Yahoo or MSN services is something we'd hate to see (actually, we wouldn't shed any tears over Windows Live), but it's inevitable some will get the axe, given the overlapping services owned by Microsoft and Yahoo. The merged company would simply create too many redundant services and the odds are some of our beloved services would be killed. Branded services such as Yahoo Mail and Hotmail would survive, but there is a good chance they'd share one development team. Over time the services would become virtually identical, sharing features, functions, bugs and limitations. Microsoft's instant messaging system sneezes, for example, and Yahoo Messenger catches a cold.
Love: Yahoo boosts Microsoft Live
We think both behemoths could learn a lot from the other especially when it comes to the look, feel and usability of web pages and services. We'd like to see Windows Live integrated into simpler interfaces. Right now there is Windows Live and Microsoft Office Live Small Business. Both are not tied to directly either to the Windows operating system or Microsoft Office. Both Microsoft Live sites seem so disconnected.
Yahoo was best in the early days at keeping the interface simple on services such as Yahoo Travel. Today's Yahoo can't match the minimalism of many Google offerings, but it still has designs that are simpler and easier to use than many counterparts at Microsoft.
Comments
Beryl said: I wouldnt trust Bill Gates to sit the right way round on a loo seat I dont like the way Microst gathers data from PCs Even Windows Media Player gathers Data We have never been informed where our Data goes to Well mine doesnt I have XP antiSpy I was astounded when I tried to watch a recorded programme on the ITV website and I was informed I had to register with Microst and get some sort of registration number before I could watch the recording I wouldnt upgrade to Vista because Bill Gates has prevented people from using a lot of Freeware What right has an American Company to poke its nose into my PC use in the UK We all know Bill Gates is paranoid about the use of Microst products but that does not give him the right to spy on me We have two Yahoo groups for our family so we all see each others photos and communicate to overseas members If Bill Gates gets Yahoo I dont think our Privacy will be respected so we will shift the groups to Google
Incony said: so does it affect btyahoo is microbt on its way or bt soft i HATE TO IMAGINE THAT