Microsoft to Buy Stake in AOL 333
NetDanzr writes "According to various sources (Bloomberg, Reuters, CNet), Microsoft is in talks with Time Warner to buy a stake in AOL. While the size of the stake or its prize has not been disclosed yet, Bloomberg speculates that this deal would profit both companies. Microsoft would profit from merging the AOL portal with MSN, as a strategy to catch up with his rivals in this space Yahoo and Google, while Time Warner would gain some ammunition in its fight with a renegade shareholder, Carl Icahn. According to CNBC, AOL is just about to turn the corner and is currently the most undervalued division of Time Warner."
holy crap (Score:3, Funny)
The end of what ? Anybody remember when... (Score:5, Insightful)
Me too! (Score:3, Funny)
I completely believe the CNBC statement (Score:4, Funny)
Re:I completely believe the CNBC statement (Score:2)
No, NOOOOO! (Score:4, Funny)
This is the single most terrifying news I've heard all week. I'd almost... no, I WOULD prefer an asteroid the size of Texas hurdling at the Earth.
Re:No, NOOOOO! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:No, NOOOOO! (Score:2)
Longhorn comes with some bastardized version of MSN/AOL preinstalled instead of just MSN? Microsoft starts getting monthly checks from several million people who's idea of the Internet is "downloading their email" and playing Bejeweled?
I mean I guess Earthlink and NetZero are maybe sweating this, but so what?
Re:No, NOOOOO! (Score:3, Funny)
no, I WOULD prefer an asteroid the size of Texas hurdling at the Earth.
So would I, particularly if it was the shape of texas AND hit texas.
Then again, we're about 5 years too late for it to do much good. :(
Re:No, NOOOOO! (Score:2)
Re:No, NOOOOO! (Score:2)
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Oh no. (Score:2)
Bye bye Netscape (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Bye bye Netscape (Score:3, Informative)
Does this mark the end of netscape?
I'm not an AOL user, so I don't know if AOL even uses Netscape anymore. But their Downloads page says that AOL Explorer [aol.com] is based on IE.
In any case, there's always Mozilla/Firefox...
Re:Bye bye Netscape (Score:2, Informative)
As if there was any Netscape left to end. The thing is these days nothing but a rotting husk or an aimlessly wandering ghost. Go google for "brand necrophilia" and see what comes up.
I wouldn't be least bit surprised if I saw "Microsoft Netscape" or whatever. At least that would put end to all of those jokes about confused people calling tech support.
New Mod Needed (Score:3, Interesting)
How does this simple question get marked so insightful. Anytime someone mentions anything about any browser people pop-up the question that includes "end of netscape?"
Re:New Mod Needed (Score:2)
Re:Bye bye Netscape (again) (Score:3, Informative)
Jus
Let's see... (Score:3, Insightful)
And AOL has been steadily losing members.
Sounds like a match made in heaven.
not to say it doesn't suck... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:not to say it doesn't suck... (Score:2)
Seriously though, I would guess most Google users would either use the Google toolbar over the Alexa one, or no toolbar at all. And the Alexa traffic counts are based only on their toolbar users who allow data to be sent back. While it may cover a lot of people, it also misses a lot of people.
What will happen to the AOL browser? (Score:2)
I realize it's not a big deal, but it's something worth discussing I think.
Forget the browser, it's about IM (Score:2)
No, I predict that if this goes ahead, AIM is gradually killed off to be replaced with MSN, giving Microsoft instant monopoly control over instant messaging--and heading off the threat of Google Talk helping to open up IM.
Nooooooo (Score:3, Interesting)
I wonder if this deal has been in the making for a while - it would explain why AOL decided not to use Gecko.
Microsoft + AOL (Score:5, Funny)
Two great things that... uhh... nevermind.
IE lock-in (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:IE lock-in (Score:2)
This is worrying (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:This is worrying (Score:5, Informative)
i don't get it (Score:4, Insightful)
I don't use AOL, I don't use MSN ... I hardly even use instant messaging ... I just browse with Firefox and use email.
I hear about how AOL is a major corporation and I wonder ... how? why? I hear that MSN and AOL are apparently merging, and I wonder ... how does that affect me? Why do people care?
Really ... just ... don't ... get it. What am I missing?
Sam
Re:i don't get it (Score:2, Insightful)
maybe it doens't affect you if you don't have relatives or friends or co-workers who in turn know other people from the states. The infiltration of MS and AOL is really deep in the "real" world, y'know.
Just because you don't happen to use something everyone's heard of doesn't mean it isn't important. Don't you remember the days of your youth when everything other people care about, you care about as well?
Acronyms (Score:2)
Re:i don't get it (Score:2)
I guess now in the early 2000's, their little playground is starting to rust out. Finally.
This is all just purely personal opinion, however.
Re:i don't get it (Score:2, Funny)
Free coasters.
Re:i don't get it (Score:5, Insightful)
For those folks, the Internet is either the little blue "e" or it's AOL. They don't have broadband, but they want it because the marketing geniuses at AOL have been telling them that AOL for broadband is better.
There is another set of users, mostly teenagers, who use either AIM or MSN Messenger to send messages back and forth to their friends' cell phones all day long. It's like passing notes in class, but they do it before breakfast, during breakfast, in the car, between or in classes, and so on. They do homework over it.
The teenagers don't know or care, for the most part, that there are dozens of IM clients and that they all pretty much work. They have MSN or AIM and that's all they need.
A portion of both groups discover eventually that the world is bigger than their little corner of it, but, like programmers using vi to edit CSS, they stick with their original chat and web clients even knowing that there are better alternatives.
I suspect that Microsoft and AOL has some synergy in that environment.
Re:i don't get it (Score:3, Funny)
There's no better way to edit CSS other than vi! Unless of course you are from the other camp...
Re:i don't get it (Score:3, Funny)
And what the hell is wrong with using vi to edit CSS?
I mean, it's not like we're using emacs or anything.
Re:i don't get it (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:i don't get it (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:i don't get it (Score:3, Insightful)
Does this mean that AOL... (Score:2)
Re:Does this mean that AOL... (Score:4, Informative)
Don't know where you get your information, but there was never any public discussion of a planned switch. The Compuserve and Mac clients use Gecko, and while it was tested in the WIndows client, an official plan to switch has never been publicly acknowledged. I can assure you AOL will be using IE as the core browser for many years to come (and that was true even prior to the MSN deal talks).
One giant ball of EVIL (Score:2, Funny)
Does this mean Google is going to build a giant robot to compete?
Seriously, I haven't had enough coffee yet for this news, and it's before noon, so I can't hit the booze just yet.
~EEE~
Two wrongs (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Two wrongs (Score:5, Funny)
Bad deals this week (Score:2)
But Microsoft buying AOL would make a company more eval than.. (remember M$ is already the most evil company, or was it Google nowadays?)
No More AOL CDs [nomoreaolcds.com] would have send the Millions CDs to Redmond then...that would be fun indeed.
I can't wait for my AOL CD with Windows Vista trial on it.
Re:Bad deals this week (Score:2, Funny)
Vista Porn Edition with AOL Popup Blocker!
Although, that could make a great new slogan.
"Welcome! You've got porn!"
AOL != Mozilla Foundation (Score:4, Insightful)
They are self-sufficient, independent and have been since at least the start of FireFox.
I think there are more programmers working in google then in AOL.
prize or price? (Score:3, Informative)
Disclaimer: English is not my 1st language!
Re:prize or price? (Score:2)
Why this matters to analysts is that Microsoft could purchase the shares above current market value, which might cause a revaluation of AOL stock. Alternatively, if MS is overpaying, they could be faced with taking the difference between purchase price and value as a loss.
Make peace with any gods you believe in (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Make peace with any gods you believe in (Score:3, Funny)
Critical Error: Universe rebooted. Report to Microsoft Support?
Don't Send . Send
Bye Bye, Netscape, Winamp, etc... (Score:2)
Windows + AOL (Score:5, Funny)
MS was feeling left out.... (Score:5, Funny)
eBay buys Skype.
Ballmer: (to Bill via bad cell phone connection) Billy-boy, what are we going to do? They're getting more press than us this week.
Gates: Eh? Oh hell! ( as he spills his coffee on his lap and hangs up)
Ballmer: Well, ok if you say so.
Is in talks (Score:2, Flamebait)
Interesting merge ... (Score:2)
Bid to buy Netscape.... (Score:2, Interesting)
This could be viewed as Microsoft making a bid to buy Netscape. Remember that AOL owns what is left of Netscape. This of course, includes the FireFox browser as well.
So beyond the anti-trust issues surrounding a joined MSN-AOL portal / service, is the issue of Microsoft potentially owning at least a stake in the major browser that competes against Internet Explorer. Also, it is important to note that partial buy-outs are often precursors to complete buyouts.
Re:Bid to buy Netscape.... (Score:2, Interesting)
Heavenly Delight (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Heavenly Delight (Score:4, Insightful)
Google? Aol? (Score:2)
No electronic village will be safe during these dark times.
Like sending a tanker of fuel... (Score:2)
Voila, an MSN almost the population of AOL.
Unless Bill is simply tired of actually lighting his money on fire, this seems to be a fruitful motive.
Does this mean... (Score:2)
Should not get past the regulators (Score:2)
Their reason (Score:5, Funny)
Is it possible that buggy software combines!? (Score:4, Interesting)
Oh great! If this happens we may see the popup window ravage the desktop at all times. When you first sign in to Windows you may now get to see multiple credit card offers and all sorts of popup ads. Not to mention when you log off windows wouldn't let you shut down until the AOL portion of software imbedded has received all of it's needed updates!
Damn the Machine!
Think its about instant message..MSN + AIM (Score:4, Interesting)
MSN + AOL (Score:2)
Predicting the future (Score:2)
Wow, those Bloomberg analysts are really earning their money...
Convicted Monopolist (Score:2)
Hello, wheres the SEC in this kind of stuff? I mean every Oracle looks to buy out something they throw a hissy fit (although still end up letting oracle buy up competitors) but Microsoft should have hurdles even higher to get over, but when they look to buy something NO ONE in any type of oversight role says ANYTHING!!
I know, I know, they've bought everyone out. But it would be nice if our
Mr Pot? Please meet Mr Kettle. (Score:5, Funny)
Caller: Hi. I have MSN and my AOL account doesn't work. In fact nothing works.
Banglaore Tech: And sir did you turn the computer on sir?
Caller: Oh. right.
Bangalore Tech: Very good sir. Now kindly go fuck yourself sir. Thank you for calling MSN/AOL tech support, you knuckle dragging imperialist asswipe sir.
RS
Does AOL still pay Mozilla developers? (Score:3, Interesting)
Also, the next edition of Netscape will be based solely upon IE, and won't be released for anything but Windows.
Either way, though, its a nice way to see all the 'Evil' group up. Fine by me, and I'm sure Mozilla will find another home (Novell, possibly? Or IBM? Who knows, maybe Sun, or even a coalition)
Nevermind (Score:2)
Good. This might be the end of AOL. We'll see it rebranded as MSN, and it will continue to founder, until nothing is left.
Let the continunously destructive mergers go forth!
Suing Microsoft Pays? (Score:2)
Sun Microsystems sued Microsoft, got a settlement in 2004 when Microsoft agreed to shell out $1.95 billion (http://news.com.com/Sun+settles+with+Microsoft,+a nnounces+layoffs/2100-1014_3-5183848.html [com.com]).
AOL sued Microsoft in 2002 alleging the latter crushed its Netscape, and now...well, you get the picture.
If and when they do merge, they'll need a name... (Score:5, Funny)
MAL ONS - MAL SON - LAM ONS
LAM SON - SALMON - ALMS NO
ALMS ON - SLAM NO - SLAM ON
MA SOLN - AM SOLN - MAN LOS
MAN SOL - MANS LO
"Salmon" has more logo possibilities;
"Slam On!" will appeal to the x-treme and H4x0r crowd,
but "Man, S.O.L.!" is probably closer to what most people think of this development.
Antitrust anyone? (Score:4, Insightful)
Digital content distribution (Time-Warner)
VoIP (Time-Warner networks)
Combined IM markets (AIM/MSN)
DRM on all that content
I hope that those anti-trust government types see this as evil the way that I do. I can't remember what cable companies are tied up in this mess, should it happen, but this is a move by MS to take over communications, digital and voice, as well as a large share of content and content distribution. EVIL EVIL EVIL... that's all I can see in it.
I'm betting that the government will not be able to see the all digital, all-IP future that the FCC and others are trying to create being brought to a corporate congolmeration through moves like this one... Science fiction horror stories happening in real life.
The jokes about MSN and AOL securing MS position with worst portal and search abound, but it proves that most computer users don't care or are clueless. That means that if MS manages this, the world of digital content and communications may become a very bad thing... imagine using an MS phone service? or MSN cable? You'll soon be able to get a BSOD on all your entertainment and communication devices!
EVIL EVIL EVIL!
21 years ago, Warners did the same to Atari (Score:4, Informative)
Its fitting to see that Time Warner is planning on ditching its stake in AOL (just as its turning around) to a *former competitor* in order to boost share price and fend off a corporate raider like Carl Icahn today. 21 odd years ago, Warner Communications, facing a declining stock price and facing a corporate raider named Rupert Murdoch, sold off a 75% stake in Atari Inc. (the home computer/videogame division - later to be known as Atari Corp.) to *former competitor* Jack Tramiel (founder of Commodore) for $350 million in promissory notes in order to take off immediate pressure on Warner's stock. Murdoch eventually bought a controlling stake in 20th Century Fox instead since one of its big time shareholders fled the country on tax evasion. And it was evident even then that Atari was ready for a turnaround with the Atari 7800 ready for the market, hot 8 bit computers in heavy demand (the 1400XL and the 1450XLD) nearing release, a locked agreement to market the Amiga computer, and an almost completed agreement for non-Japanese worldwide rights to the Nintendo Famicom (which became the NES).
Great track record, Time Warner! That's twice in a generation that you've botched the "synergy" payoff from having control of premiere tech companies with mass market appeal. First Atari, and then AOL.
And let's recap the failures of Time Warner with AOL. Time Warner corporate failed to get Time Warner Cable to carry AOL as its premiere ISP, which was the #1 reason why AOL pursued the merger in the first place. Time Warner corporate failed to take any initiative to getting Time Warner Cable to make a deal with TiVo for set-top DVRs even though through AOL, Time Warner held a large stake in TiVo. Time Warner failed to leverage AOL's WinAmp property combined with the Warner Music Group interests...not to mention failing to envision an actual online music store like iTunes and instead relied upon nobody's favorite company Real to make MusicNet a success that it never became. I could list much more, but I'll end it with settling with Microsoft for less than $1 billion the antitrust case that AOL easily would've won the $10 billion they were demanding (and had that figure trebbled) had they committed to fight for the eventual ruling and a good 5 years of appeals.
At this point, I'm all for Time Warner splitting up. Steve Ross must be spinning in his grave and it'll probably take Ted Turner to his well ahead of schedule.
Slumlord merger? (Score:3)
far out
Re:holy shit! (Score:5, Insightful)
this is no joke.
hotmail was good, and it was popular.
MS took it over and turned it into the most worst email (the low storage, the spam, the restrictions, etc) service ever. nevertheless, people keep using it because it's what they always used or what their friends use.
now take AOL, something already crappy. i can't possibly imagine what microsoft can do it. maybe this time around people will actually shy away to something else.
Re:holy shit! (Score:3, Funny)
Re:holy shit! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:holy shit! (Score:4, Funny)
Ok, so he should have used absolute worstest!!
Re:holy shit! (Score:5, Funny)
sorry, proper english can't describe what MS did.
Re:holy shit! (Score:3, Interesting)
Welcome to the New WinAOL OS (Score:5, Funny)
Can you imagine bootinh windows into the dulcet tones of the AOL Bot saying, "You got Mail?"
Or AOL with the new and improved advanced Clippy the speaking paperclip help technology?
Re:holy shit! (Score:5, Funny)
s/Buy/Bury/ (Score:4, Funny)
Microsoft to Bury Stake in AOL
Re:holy shit! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:holy shit! (Score:5, Funny)
This sounds like something that could be used as a deterent to crime.
Judge: "You are hereby sentanced 1000 hours of Windows"
Defendent: "Nooooooooooooooo!"
Probably wouldn't work though. We have restrictions on cruel and unusual punishment. Windows isn't unusual, but it certainly is cruel.
Re:holy shit! (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:woohoo (Score:5, Funny)
SCO's involved in this?
Re:woohoo (Score:2)
SCO's involved in this?
Nah, SCO is a very small scum of the earth. They just make up for it by being extra-scummy.
Re:woohoo (Score:2)
Re:woohoo (Score:2)
SCO's involved in this?
Well, while I sympathize with the implication that SCO is scum of the earth, SCO is not large.
Now that's insightful (Score:4, Funny)
Think about it - this is not about AOL per se.. (Score:5, Insightful)
AOL is presently owned by Time Warner
AOL vs AOLTW (Score:3, Insightful)
Of course, this still brings up an interesting thought. This means that if/once this all goes through, America will have basically three noteworthy television news sources; CNN, which has business entanglements with Microsoft; MSNBC, which has business entanglements with Microsoft; and Fox News, which is frequently brushing against antitrust law and, hm, how shall I put this, some people feel tends to give spec
Re:New portal names after merging (Score:5, Funny)