Google, Google, Google says Ballmer

by Staff, Brand Republic 07-Mar-08, 10:30

LAS VEGAS - Microsoft boss chief executive Steve Ballmer has said that if it is the last thing he does the software giant will gain ground against Google in the online advertising and search market.

Ballmer, speaking at Microsoft's MIX08 online technology conference in Las Vegas, did not go into details about Microsoft's $41bn bid for Yahoo!, but stressed its importance in helping to boost its position in the two key online markets.

Balmer said at a Q&A session: "So it may be my last breath at Microsoft, but we're going to be there, working away, building share. In online, yeah, it's Google, Google, Google, and we're in the game."

The Google, Google, Google comment appears to be a reference to Ballmer's legendary appearance at a Microsoft developers conference where he went into overdrive to gee up the crowd.

With a little levity Ballmer said: "We're just the little engine that could…We've made an offer, and it's out there, baby."

While he offered no new details about the bid he did hint at the rationalisation that would lie ahead should Micrsoft's bid be successful: "We shouldn't have two of everything. It won't make sense to have two search services, two advertising services, two mail services, and we will have to sort some of that through."