Yahoo/Microsoft, means more to Yahoo

Implications: Yahoo seems to be fading in the rear-view mirror of Google, yet has some features that loyal users still favor.

Google's got its sights on the corporate desktop, so how does Microsoft intend to maintain its dominance.

Can this combination squeeze Google out of its explosive growth path?  I don't think so.

Analysis: Yahoo emerged as THE PLACE TO BE on the web before the turn of the century.  But as the Web developed its own unique culture, Google captured the hearts and clicks of this new society.

Microsoft has been the King of Corporate Computing for two and a half decades (UNBELIEVABLE!).  Although many valiant attempts have been made by the likes of Lotus, IBM, Oracle, even Linux, Microsoft remains the King, no the Emperor.

So, Yahoo is hurting somewhat, but Microsoft is not, at least yet.  Yahoo needs help to raise its profile and make it dominant, although I'm not sure there is room for two dominant search engines. 

Microsoft, with its new SharePoint environment will maintain a commanding role in corporate computing for the next computing generation (about 3-5 years).  Its got too much good stuff for any Google web delivered services to make a serious impact with large corporate buyers.

So, maybe an alliance to keep Microsoft somewhat relevant on the web.  Perhaps Yahoo will be the delivery mechanism for some future planned Microsoft low-end web tools.  But I can't see Microsoft spending a lot of money to be a 2nd class player in what has turned out not be their best playing field.