Heightened Tensions

Microsoft maneuvers for dominance; plus, Dave's really back, big money aims at India, Intuit stumbles, a black tie and tuxedo event, and more software news of the week.

Things are getting challenging for the company that doesn't like to be told "no." Microsoft's takeover bid for Yahoo added new tension this week: the Redmond firm is reportedly exploring a hostile bid and is ready for a proxy fight.

The discussion around assumptions about the Microsoft/Yahoo deal motivation changed this week. Bill Gates explained that Google is indeed the foe, but advertising market share isn't the real prize. According to the outgoing chairman, Microsoft wants to boost its innovation capabilities with the strength of Yahoo's engineering talent. In the same interview, Gates also described his predictions for the way TV, journalism, speech and touch technology, and other things will evolve. He also shared his opinion on the top technical hurdles.

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SANDHILL.COM BLOG POST OF THE WEEK:

A Visit to the Heart of India

Once again, I found myself on a flight to India. This time, I was on my annual pilgrimage to guide a few India "first timers" to expose them to the history, culture, business and the country.

On this trip, I was heading for Kolkata ("Calcutta" to us oldies) to see my friend Shaun Coyne's Offshore Development Center (ODC) in partnership with TCS.

When I visit India, I try to make it a point to visit something unconnected with business. The trip to Kolkata presented an opportunity to visit Mother Teresa's tomb and charity.

This Week's M&As

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The Week's VC Deals

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Execs on the Move: February 18, 2008

New executives step up at Corrigo and other companies.

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