Microsoft Loses DoubleClick; Cries to DOJ
All the news outlets were buzzing about how Microsoft was in the bidding to acquire DoubleClick, a banner serving company. However, before the weekend rolled around Google’s checkbook had swooped in and bought the ‘Punch the Monkey’ specialist for a whopping $3.1 billion. The steal put Microsoft in a difficult position - it’s ad network was considered sub par, it wasn’t getting traction in the marketplace, and having DoubleClick in Google’s stable provided some impressive benefits for advertisers. What is bygone behemoth to do?
Take a page from its mid-90’s competitor’s playbook and whine to the Department of Justice about monopoly violations. Because if you can’t beat ‘em, fuss about it. While Robert Scoble might have recently been named ‘King of the Shills‘ he does have a good point regarding Microsoft’s irony:
Isn’t it funny how there’s been a total turnaround at Microsoft in just six years? Instead of asking us to help poor old persecuted Microsoft out now we’re being asked to have the government look into the business of Google.
Now, you might not agree with me about either case, but I’ll be consistent at least. I was in Microsoft’s side against the government last time (they asked nicely). But I’m in Google’s side this time. Sounds a lot like Microsoft is now the company who had its ass kicked in the marketplace and is running to government regulators to get some relief.
