Will Microsoft save Silicon Valley from Google?

By Michael V. Copeland and Yi-Wyn Yen

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- There was talk of monopoly in Silicon Valley Friday morning as news of Microsoft's $45 billion offer for Yahoo spread at Internet speed via e-mail, instant message and mobile phone. But the huge irony is Microsoft's bid for Yahoo is seen by many here as just what is needed to fend off another monopolist in the making: Google.

"We would prefer to MORE

Putting Microsoft and Yahoo together: Some pieces won't fit

With Microsoft's surprise $45 billion bid for Yahoo, a lot of people are talking about why the deal makes sense. The combined advertising networks and Internet plumbing, for example, would do a lot to help MicroHoo challenge Google (GOOG).

And those reasons might be enough reason to do the deal. In Microsoft (MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer's letter to Yahoo's (YHOO) board, he emphasized how size would benefit a combined company. "While MORE

Microsoft's AOL or Microhoo?

By Josh Quittner

The idea that Microsoft would take Yahoo as its hapless partner has been discussed for years down in the Valley. But most of the folks I've talked to pretty much dismissed it as too wrong to contemplate. Even Microsoft, dissed by Valley Guys as not getting the Web (see previous column here), wouldn't actually go through with it, Yahoo's decent dowry notwithstanding.

Granted, this part of the world is MORE

Motorola's spin on a spinoff

By Michal Lev-Ram

Turns out those rumors swirling around Motorola might be true after all -- or are they?

Late Thursday, Motorola (MOT) issued a press release saying it is "exploring the structural and strategic realignment of its businesses," and that the company's options may include the "separation of mobile devices from its other businesses." (Put it in plain English, Motorola is considering selling its flailing cell phone unit). But statement also MORE