lundi 30 juin 2008
mercredi 11 juin 2008
vendredi 30 mai 2008
mardi 27 mai 2008
dimanche 25 mai 2008
mardi 13 mai 2008
lundi 5 mai 2008
vendredi 25 avril 2008
mardi 22 avril 2008
samedi 19 avril 2008
jeudi 17 avril 2008
mercredi 16 avril 2008
lundi 14 avril 2008
jeudi 10 avril 2008
Introducing Billy Bones
Fallon art director Chris Lincoln, is debuting his new children's book Billy Bones and its now available in USA via pre-order on Amazon, or in UK via LoveReading4Kids.co.uk or via Amazon UK.
lundi 7 avril 2008
dimanche 6 avril 2008
jeudi 3 avril 2008
mercredi 2 avril 2008
lundi 31 mars 2008
samedi 29 mars 2008
vendredi 28 mars 2008
jeudi 27 mars 2008
mardi 25 mars 2008
lundi 24 mars 2008
samedi 22 mars 2008
vendredi 21 mars 2008
jeudi 20 mars 2008
mercredi 19 mars 2008
mardi 18 mars 2008
lundi 17 mars 2008
dimanche 16 mars 2008
samedi 15 mars 2008
WorldWide Telescope
Le service WorldWide Telescope de Microsoft (Vs Google Sky) va permettre à l'internaute de naviguer virtuellement au milieu des étoiles. Cette cartographie de l'espace sera accessible à tous et sera le résultat de l'agrégation de milliers d'images venant des plus grands télescopes spatiaux.
Pour lancer ce nouveau service, Microsoft s'est offert les services de Robert Scoble.
Pour lancer ce nouveau service, Microsoft s'est offert les services de Robert Scoble.
vendredi 14 mars 2008
jeudi 13 mars 2008
mercredi 12 mars 2008
LVMH & Keith Richards
Après Gorbatchev, Steffi Graf & André Agassi LVMH a frappé un grand coup en réussissant à convaincre l'icône du rock Keith Richards a devenir à partir du mois d'avril le nouveau visage de Louis Vuitton.
Le cachet obtenu par Keith Richards sera reversé dans son intégralité à l'association "The Climate Project" dont Al Gore est à l'initiative et qui a reçu le dernier Prix Nobel.
Le cachet obtenu par Keith Richards sera reversé dans son intégralité à l'association "The Climate Project" dont Al Gore est à l'initiative et qui a reçu le dernier Prix Nobel.
mardi 11 mars 2008
L'écosystème informationnel
Joel de Rosnay nous explique au cours d'une conférence donnée au Medef les 4 étapes du web
- le Web 1.0 : l'internet descendant
- le Web 2.0 : le contenu généré par les utilisateurs
- le Web 3.0 : le web sémantique et intuitif
- le Web 4.0 : le web symbiotique
lundi 10 mars 2008
samedi 8 mars 2008
vendredi 7 mars 2008
jeudi 6 mars 2008
Une seule "marque" est capable de ca .....
Flash mob à Trafalgar Square
Après NYC et Berlin, Londres a mobilisé plusieurs centaines de personnes, est ce que Paris fera mieux ?
Charles Nouyrit organise depuis plusieurs semaines le flash mob de l'année, pour vous inscrire rendez vous sur le groupe FB.
Charles Nouyrit organise depuis plusieurs semaines le flash mob de l'année, pour vous inscrire rendez vous sur le groupe FB.
mercredi 5 mars 2008
mardi 4 mars 2008
lundi 3 mars 2008
The Sound of Color
Très beau projet initié par Gap. L'idée de "The Sound of Color" est de mettre en commun 5 couleurs qui réprésentent l'inspiration, 5 musiciens pour l'émotion et la vidéo pour suggérer une représentation visuelle.
C'est un projet très intéressant tant dans sa conception et sa réalisation que dans son contenu, il manque juste la possibilité aux internautes de déposer leurs propres vidéos ...
C'est un projet très intéressant tant dans sa conception et sa réalisation que dans son contenu, il manque juste la possibilité aux internautes de déposer leurs propres vidéos ...
dimanche 2 mars 2008
samedi 1 mars 2008
vendredi 29 février 2008
jeudi 28 février 2008
"Bit.Fall"
Réalisé par Julius Popp, c'est une réflexion sur le design, le contenu, la sémantique, la conscience, l'inconscience, le langage etc.
C'est tout simplement éblouissant.
C'est tout simplement éblouissant.
mercredi 27 février 2008
Le Web 2.0 en 2005 !
Howard Rheingold nous parle des prochains modèles collaboratifs, des médias, de l'intelligence collective et des communautés.
mardi 26 février 2008
De la médecine à la création !
La presse française a décerné cette année le Globe de Cristal du meilleur créateur de mode à Albert Elbaz.
Elevé en Israël et destiné à la médecine Albert Elbaz fait ses études au Shenkar College of Design de Tel Aviv avant de partir pour New York où il rencontre le créateur Geoffrey Beene avec qui il va collaborer pendant 7 ans.
Il est aujourd'hui (et depuis 2001) Directeur Artistique de chez Lanvin après avoir refondu l'image de Guy Laroche et YSL.
lundi 25 février 2008
Manifesto (Part I + making off Part II)
Automne 2007, les photographes Inez van Lamsweerde et Vinoodh Matadin shootent Gisèle Bundchen dans les rues de Paris. Ces photos ont servi aux différentes campagnes de pub d'YSL mais également distribuées sous forme de journal (papier recyclé) à plus de 2 millions d'exemplaires.
Février 2008, à l'occasion de la présentation des collections Printemps Ete 2008, c'est cette fois la sublime Kate Moss qui prendra la pose, la vidéo sera disponible à partir de mercredi.
Je trouve ces films élégants mais version 17ème ...
Février 2008, à l'occasion de la présentation des collections Printemps Ete 2008, c'est cette fois la sublime Kate Moss qui prendra la pose, la vidéo sera disponible à partir de mercredi.
Je trouve ces films élégants mais version 17ème ...
dimanche 24 février 2008
Les médias dans 20 ans
Interview de Olivier Missir sur sa vision des médias dans 20 ans, de la place du contenu, des formats et de la technologie.
samedi 23 février 2008
vendredi 22 février 2008
L'élégance
Cet après midi nous étions en brainstorming nous parlions positionnement de la marque, univers, culture, structure, création etc etc.
Le maître de cérémonie qui, il y a quelques années a fait une étude sur l'élégance pour le patron du design d'un des plus grands constructeur automobile au monde nous donne la définition de l'élégance que je trouve tellement juste.
"Le mot élégance nous dit il, est né au 15ème siècle et vient de "Elégancia" dont la première définition est la qualité que l'on reconnaît à certaines formes naturelles ou créées par l'homme dont la perfection est faite de grâce et de simplicité, élégance dans les formes, les proportions, les mouvements, la beauté, l'harmonie."
Au 17ème siècle, la définition évolue vers : "bon goût manifestant un style personnel dans l'habillement, la parure, les manières."
Je trouve que nous devrions mettre dans un petit coin de notre cerveau la première définition et ne jamais l'oublier afin de pouvoir l'intégrer dans les fondamentaux de la réflexion stratégique : "la perfection est faite de grâce et de simplicité"
Le maître de cérémonie qui, il y a quelques années a fait une étude sur l'élégance pour le patron du design d'un des plus grands constructeur automobile au monde nous donne la définition de l'élégance que je trouve tellement juste.
"Le mot élégance nous dit il, est né au 15ème siècle et vient de "Elégancia" dont la première définition est la qualité que l'on reconnaît à certaines formes naturelles ou créées par l'homme dont la perfection est faite de grâce et de simplicité, élégance dans les formes, les proportions, les mouvements, la beauté, l'harmonie."
Au 17ème siècle, la définition évolue vers : "bon goût manifestant un style personnel dans l'habillement, la parure, les manières."
Je trouve que nous devrions mettre dans un petit coin de notre cerveau la première définition et ne jamais l'oublier afin de pouvoir l'intégrer dans les fondamentaux de la réflexion stratégique : "la perfection est faite de grâce et de simplicité"
jeudi 21 février 2008
Monsieur Franck Gehry
Cette interview de Franck Gehry un des batisseurs du 21ème siècle date un peu (2002), mais elle est plus que jamais à l'ordre du jour. il place la cité au centre de nos civilisations, un grand visionnaire.
mercredi 20 février 2008
"Le magazine qui parle aux hommes sur un autre ton"*
La version française de GQ * vient de sortir en kiosque. La france est le 14ème lancement de la "marque" qui est née en 1957 aux US.
Beaucoup de pub (normal la version bêta est à 1€) beaucoup de contenu avec des rubriques diverses et variées (buzz, mode, futurs, plaisirs etc.), une interview de François Bayrou par Frédéric Beigbeder bref on en a pour son argent...
En prime le film de lancement réalisé par DDB
Beaucoup de pub (normal la version bêta est à 1€) beaucoup de contenu avec des rubriques diverses et variées (buzz, mode, futurs, plaisirs etc.), une interview de François Bayrou par Frédéric Beigbeder bref on en a pour son argent...
En prime le film de lancement réalisé par DDB
The casting
1) Scott Vitrone, TBWA/Chiat/Day, N.Y. 2) Geoff Edwards, T.A.G 3) Ian Reichenthal, TBWA/Chiat/Day, N.Y. 4)Scott Duchon, T.A.G, 5) Ridley Scott, Director 6) Dan Wieden, Wieden+Kennedy 7) Paula Scher, Pentagram 8) Shane Smith, VBS.tv 9) Eddy Moretti, VBS.tv 10) Will Gompertz, Tate 11) Brad Neely, Writer/Animator 12) Jan Jacobs, Johannes Leonardo 13) Yves Behar, Fuseproject 14) Leo Premutico, Johannes Leonardo 15 and 18) Daft Punk, Musicians 16) Jaime Griesemer, Bungie 17) Juan Cabral, Fallon, London 19) Randy Krallman, Director 20)Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook 21) Rei Inamoto, AKQA 22) Tom Kuntz, Director 23) Zaha Hadid, Architect 24) Joel Coen, Director 25) Ethan Coen, Director
mardi 19 février 2008
lundi 18 février 2008
le planning stratégique
Petit rappel
Le planning stratégique est né dans les années 60 de l'autre côté de la Manche chez nos amis anglais notamment avec Stephen King chez JWT et l'agence BMP (Boase Massimi Pollit).
Le planning stratégique est né du constat que les commerciaux ne savaient pas "travailler" la marque et qu'ils étaient incapables d'analyser les sacro saintes études qui vont permettrent de définir la stratégie globale d'une entreprise et donc d'une marque.
Qu'est ce que le planning stratégique ?
C'est à mon sens tout d'abord la curiosité et la maturité d'une ceraine ouverture d'esprit, le planning est la convergence de deux mondes qui s'opposent à savoir la rationalité des études (quanti et quali) et la créativté au service de la marque et du média (notion intemporelle).
C'est également avoir la faculté objective de "sentir" ou "ressentir" les tendances et les besoins du user qui sera en définitive le seul juge/arbitre du travail du planneur.
Le planneur des années à venir devra prendre en considération le fameux "content" généré par les utilisateurs et donc connaître ou apréhender ses limites, il devra également être suffisament mature afin de pouvoir analyser l'intelligence intuitive de ses semblables et valoriser la marque ou le média (dans le désordre!) car le média est le message.
Les nouveaux média nous ramènent aux fondamentaux, la mesure de la performance, le planneur sera "noté" ou valorisé par rapport à la valeur ajoutée que nous pourrons apporter à la marque et aux résultatsde notre stratégie.
Donc oui l'architecture, le design, l'ethnologie, la psychologie, la sociologie, la philosophie, la musique et j'en passe sont des sources d'inspiration mais ne nous éloignons pas de la réalité.
A suivre
Le planning stratégique est né dans les années 60 de l'autre côté de la Manche chez nos amis anglais notamment avec Stephen King chez JWT et l'agence BMP (Boase Massimi Pollit).
Le planning stratégique est né du constat que les commerciaux ne savaient pas "travailler" la marque et qu'ils étaient incapables d'analyser les sacro saintes études qui vont permettrent de définir la stratégie globale d'une entreprise et donc d'une marque.
Qu'est ce que le planning stratégique ?
C'est à mon sens tout d'abord la curiosité et la maturité d'une ceraine ouverture d'esprit, le planning est la convergence de deux mondes qui s'opposent à savoir la rationalité des études (quanti et quali) et la créativté au service de la marque et du média (notion intemporelle).
C'est également avoir la faculté objective de "sentir" ou "ressentir" les tendances et les besoins du user qui sera en définitive le seul juge/arbitre du travail du planneur.
Le planneur des années à venir devra prendre en considération le fameux "content" généré par les utilisateurs et donc connaître ou apréhender ses limites, il devra également être suffisament mature afin de pouvoir analyser l'intelligence intuitive de ses semblables et valoriser la marque ou le média (dans le désordre!) car le média est le message.
Les nouveaux média nous ramènent aux fondamentaux, la mesure de la performance, le planneur sera "noté" ou valorisé par rapport à la valeur ajoutée que nous pourrons apporter à la marque et aux résultatsde notre stratégie.
Donc oui l'architecture, le design, l'ethnologie, la psychologie, la sociologie, la philosophie, la musique et j'en passe sont des sources d'inspiration mais ne nous éloignons pas de la réalité.
A suivre
Adidas
Très beau film d'animation réalisé par 180 Amsterdan sur Adi Dassler le fondateur de la marque qui porte son nom Adidas
vendredi 15 février 2008
Audi A4, très bon fil conducteur ...
Découvert ce matin sur le site de Grégory, la dernière pub pour l'Audi A4.
Très beau travail du planning.
Très beau travail du planning.
jeudi 14 février 2008
Le plus petit mobile du monde
La société israélienne Modu va proposer au marché le plus petit téléphone modulaire au monde.
De la taille d'une carte de crédit, il pèse 40 grammes et fait 72 mm de hauteur sur 37 de largeur.
De la taille d'une carte de crédit, il pèse 40 grammes et fait 72 mm de hauteur sur 37 de largeur.
mercredi 13 février 2008
mardi 12 février 2008
Yahoo! Microsoft et Google sur les Remblas
Alors que le Mobile World Congress vient de s'ouvrir à Barcelone, des invités et non des moindres font leur première apparition.
Microsoft a signé un partenariat avec Sony Ericsson qui va utiliser Windows Mobile pour ses futurs terminaux, tandis que Google va pouvoir mettre en avant son système d'exploitation Androïd.
Une fois n'est pas coutume Google n'a pas sorti la grosse artillerie et se fait très discret sur ce salon ....
Le grand absent de cette semaine Apple après le lancement de son Iphone, décidément Steve Jobs ne fait jamais rien comme les autres.
Sergey Brin et Steve Horowits nous présente Androïd
Microsoft a signé un partenariat avec Sony Ericsson qui va utiliser Windows Mobile pour ses futurs terminaux, tandis que Google va pouvoir mettre en avant son système d'exploitation Androïd.
Une fois n'est pas coutume Google n'a pas sorti la grosse artillerie et se fait très discret sur ce salon ....
Le grand absent de cette semaine Apple après le lancement de son Iphone, décidément Steve Jobs ne fait jamais rien comme les autres.
Sergey Brin et Steve Horowits nous présente Androïd
lundi 11 février 2008
Prom Queen
Une nouvelle série américaine diffusée sur des plateformes depuis avril 2007 aux US (visionnée plus de 15 millions de fois par les internautes), Prom Queen débarque aujourd'hui en France sur la chaîne Fille TV.
80 épisodes d'une minute trente seront diffususé tous les jours en VO ou en VF
80 épisodes d'une minute trente seront diffususé tous les jours en VO ou en VF
The winner is......
Le trophée du meilleur album de l'année revient à Herbie Hancock, l'ancien pianiste de Miles Davis a fait l'unanimité de la profession.
Dans la foulée, il a également reçu le Grammy du meilleur album de jazz contemporain.
Dans la foulée, il a également reçu le Grammy du meilleur album de jazz contemporain.
MacBook Nano
Ecran 6 pouces, même principe de navigation que l'Iphone, lecteur/graveur Blu-ray, Wifi etc.
dimanche 10 février 2008
samedi 9 février 2008
vendredi 8 février 2008
jeudi 7 février 2008
Will.i.am au MidemNet 2007
Sa vision sur les nouvelles technologies et sur l'avenir de son métier et donc de la music
mercredi 6 février 2008
La Silicon Valley est Démocrate - preuve à l'appui
Les dons faits par les salariés de Microsoft, Google et Yahoo aux 2 candidats républicains.
Yahoo n'est manifestement pas Républicain ...
John McCain
Microsoft $8.210
Google $1.550
Yahoo $0
Mike Huckabee
Microsoft $750
Google $400
Yahoo $0
Microsoft-Hillary 1 / Google-Obama 0 ......
Les salariés de Microsoft ont soutenu financièrement la sénatrice de l'Etat de New York alors ceux de Google ont apporté leur soutien au sénateur de l'Illinois Barack Obama.
Faut il y voir un signe du destin......?
Ce matin Hillary est en tête avec 615 délégués contre 515 pour Obama après avoir remporté 2 Etats stratégiques : la Californie et New York.
L'opinion internationale et les médias ont un peu vite enterrer Hillary Clinton qui se positionne aujourd'hui comme la prochaine représentante du Parti Démocrate pour les élections de novembre prochain.
a suivre
Hillary Clinton
Microsoft $129.734
Google $46.610
Yahoo $15.600
Barack Obama
Google $97.771
Microsoft $68.005
Yahoo $24.288
Faut il y voir un signe du destin......?
Ce matin Hillary est en tête avec 615 délégués contre 515 pour Obama après avoir remporté 2 Etats stratégiques : la Californie et New York.
L'opinion internationale et les médias ont un peu vite enterrer Hillary Clinton qui se positionne aujourd'hui comme la prochaine représentante du Parti Démocrate pour les élections de novembre prochain.
a suivre
Hillary Clinton
Microsoft $129.734
Google $46.610
Yahoo $15.600
Barack Obama
Google $97.771
Microsoft $68.005
Yahoo $24.288
mardi 5 février 2008
Google Offers to Help Yahoo*
Google Inc. Chief Executive Eric Schmidt called Yahoo Inc. CEO Jerry Yang to offer his company's help in any effort to thwart Microsoft Corp.'s unsolicited $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo, say people familiar with the matter.
The approach Friday from Google -- Microsoft's chief rival on the Internet -- came as Yahoo is assessing its options for responding to Microsoft's aggressive "bear hug" bid, which has sent aftershocks through the media and technology industries since its announcement three days ago. People familiar with the matter say Yahoo's board, which conferred by telephone Friday, hasn't taken a position so far and no rival bids have emerged yet, though it remains possible some will.
It is considered unlikely that Google would itself bid for Yahoo because of regulatory concerns related to their large shares of the search and online advertising markets. But the people familiar with the matter say Google could play a role in attempts by others to outbid Microsoft, or by Yahoo to remain independent. Google could potentially offer money, or guaranteed revenue in return for a Yahoo advertising outsourcing pact, under that scenario, say people familiar with the matter. Even such involvement by Google would likely attract antitrust scrutiny because of concerns that competition between the two Silicon Valley Internet companies could be reduced.
A Google spokesman declined to comment on any interest in Yahoo or contact between the two companies. Google in a blog post yesterday said Microsoft's pursuit of Yahoo "raises troubling questions" about whether it would give Microsoft too much power that could be abused. Microsoft responded by saying the deal would "create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling No. 2 competitor for Internet search and online advertising."
One person familiar with the matter said that a number of technology, media and financial companies have since Friday discussed with Yahoo and its advisers their possible interest in participating in a bid for the company. But so far no serious rival bids have emerged from that, said people familiar with the matter.
AT&T Inc., News Corp. (owner of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal) and Time Warner Inc. -- all considered candidates to do such a deal -- aren't preparing rival bids for Yahoo, according to people familiar with the matter. It remains possible, though unlikely, that could change, the people say.
Yahoo has said its directors would weigh the Microsoft offer and any alternatives, including keeping Yahoo independent, "and pursue the best course of action to maximize long-term value for shareholders." In a statement on its Web site, the company said "a review process like this is fluid, and it can take quite a bit of time."
Mr. Yang and nonexecutive Chairman Roy Bostock distributed an email to employees late Friday to discuss the unsolicited buyout proposal, according to a document filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the email, the company said it has made "absolutely no decisions" regarding Microsoft's offer.
Yahoo's board is going to review the proposal thoughtfully and carefully, and do what's right for the company, the email said. In addition, the company said that the Microsoft offer is "one of many options" that it is evaluating in order to maximize value for shareholders and employees over the long term. While it reviews the proposal, Yahoo said it is critical to continue its core mission and focus on running its business, executing its strategy and delivering value to all of its users, advertisers and publishers.
Yahoo already had been in negotiations in recent weeks to outsource its Web-search advertising in Europe to Google, say people familiar with the matter. Since last year, investors have called for Yahoo to abandon its own search advertising system, which generates significantly less ad revenue for each consumer search, and use ads from Google in return for a majority share of the revenue.
The discussions with Google, which could potentially be a first step to a broader search-ad outsourcing deal, are expected to continue despite Microsoft's approach, says one of the people familiar with the matter. Another person said the two sides recently hit a disagreement on the revenue split between them.
Citigroup Global Markets analyst Mark Mahaney in a Friday research note estimated that Yahoo could boost its cash flow more than 25% annually by outsourcing all its search advertising to Google. Yahoo executives had considered such a maneuver as part of a strategic review last year, according to people familiar with the matter, but Mr. Yang in October had signaled that it had decided against it.
"We believe having a principal position in both search and display advertising is critical to creating...long-term shareholder value," Mr. Yang told analysts during Yahoo's earnings conference call in October. Yahoo's recent poor performance, including a sinking share price prior to Microsoft's bid and a tepid 2008 revenue outlook announced Tuesday, heightened calls for bolder moves by Mr. Yang, possibly spurring the change of heart toward Google.
Rival bids, including any with Google's support, could be crucial to efforts by Yahoo to at least secure a higher price for the company. Some investors believe Microsoft's offer of $31 a share -- a 62% premium to Yahoo's Thursday 4 p.m. trading on the Nasdaq -- is low, given that Yahoo shares traded at $33.63 as recently as Oct. 26.
In addition, they contend that the premium Microsoft is offering is insufficient because Yahoo holds cash and shares in publicly traded companies, including Yahoo Japan Corp. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., with a total market value of more than $12 per Yahoo share.
"We've got a very fair offer in front of the Yahoo shareholders," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, in an interview yesterday.
In a meeting with analysts on Monday, Mr. Ballmer said Microsoft's offer is generous and he expects Yahoo's board to agree to the buyout quickly. "We trust the Yahoo board and the Yahoo shareholders will join with us quickly in deciding to move down an integrated path,'' he said.
Mr. Ballmer told analysts that the acquisition raises competition, by forming "a strong No. 2 competitor" against Google. "Google's clearly got a dominant position. They've got about 75% of paid search worldwide,'' Mr. Ballmer said. "We think this enhances competition. Anything else would be less good from that perspective.''
Microsoft's determination to do the deal, and its deep pocketbook, could well deter rival acquirers. Another factor in whether a bidder emerges could be the prospects for regulatory review of a Microsoft purchase of Yahoo, says one person familiar with the matter.
Google and Microsoft exchanged barbs yesterday related to that issue. Google Senior Vice President David Drummond in a blog post asked whether Microsoft could "now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC."
Mr. Drummond accused Microsoft, which has been targeted by antitrust regulators in the U.S. and Europe for years, of "frequently [seeking] to establish proprietary monopolies -- and then [leveraging] its dominance into new, adjacent markets."
Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith responded in a statement that "The combination of Microsoft and Yahoo will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling No. 2 competitor for Internet search and online advertising." Mr. Smith added that "the alternative scenarios only lead to less competition on the Internet."
Google identified instant messaging and Web email accounts as areas where a Microsoft-Yahoo combination would have "an overwhelming" market share. In the blog post, Google also questioned whether Microsoft could use its "PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors' email, [instant messaging] and Web-based services."
Microsoft had clearly identified competition from Google as a key reason behind its bid for Yahoo. In a letter to Yahoo's board making the offer on Thursday, Mr. Ballmer said the online advertising market is "increasingly dominated by one player," a reference to Google. "Together, Microsoft and Yahoo can offer competitive choice while better fulfilling the needs of customers and partners," he added. The two have been largely unsuccessful in their intensive efforts to narrow the gap with Google in Web-search market share and to challenge its growing lead in Internet ad sales.
While Google and Yahoo are intense rivals in those areas, they share deep roots in Silicon Valley, whereas Microsoft is a plane ride away in Redmond, Wash. Mr. Yang, a Yahoo cofounder, has been opposed to a sale to Microsoft in the past, and some at Google believe it should try to help, say people familiar with the matter.
Google also has a potential interest in trying to thwart Microsoft, or at least make it pay more for Yahoo, given that the two compete in a growing number of areas ranging from search and online ads to consumer email, word processing and spreadsheet offerings. Google's Mr. Schmidt and some other top executives are veterans of competitive battles with Microsoft, both while at Google, and from previous posts at Sun Microsystems Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp., later purchased by Time Warner's AOL.
* Write to Kevin J. Delaney & Matthew Karnitschnig (WSJ)
The approach Friday from Google -- Microsoft's chief rival on the Internet -- came as Yahoo is assessing its options for responding to Microsoft's aggressive "bear hug" bid, which has sent aftershocks through the media and technology industries since its announcement three days ago. People familiar with the matter say Yahoo's board, which conferred by telephone Friday, hasn't taken a position so far and no rival bids have emerged yet, though it remains possible some will.
It is considered unlikely that Google would itself bid for Yahoo because of regulatory concerns related to their large shares of the search and online advertising markets. But the people familiar with the matter say Google could play a role in attempts by others to outbid Microsoft, or by Yahoo to remain independent. Google could potentially offer money, or guaranteed revenue in return for a Yahoo advertising outsourcing pact, under that scenario, say people familiar with the matter. Even such involvement by Google would likely attract antitrust scrutiny because of concerns that competition between the two Silicon Valley Internet companies could be reduced.
A Google spokesman declined to comment on any interest in Yahoo or contact between the two companies. Google in a blog post yesterday said Microsoft's pursuit of Yahoo "raises troubling questions" about whether it would give Microsoft too much power that could be abused. Microsoft responded by saying the deal would "create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling No. 2 competitor for Internet search and online advertising."
One person familiar with the matter said that a number of technology, media and financial companies have since Friday discussed with Yahoo and its advisers their possible interest in participating in a bid for the company. But so far no serious rival bids have emerged from that, said people familiar with the matter.
AT&T Inc., News Corp. (owner of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal) and Time Warner Inc. -- all considered candidates to do such a deal -- aren't preparing rival bids for Yahoo, according to people familiar with the matter. It remains possible, though unlikely, that could change, the people say.
Yahoo has said its directors would weigh the Microsoft offer and any alternatives, including keeping Yahoo independent, "and pursue the best course of action to maximize long-term value for shareholders." In a statement on its Web site, the company said "a review process like this is fluid, and it can take quite a bit of time."
Mr. Yang and nonexecutive Chairman Roy Bostock distributed an email to employees late Friday to discuss the unsolicited buyout proposal, according to a document filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the email, the company said it has made "absolutely no decisions" regarding Microsoft's offer.
Yahoo's board is going to review the proposal thoughtfully and carefully, and do what's right for the company, the email said. In addition, the company said that the Microsoft offer is "one of many options" that it is evaluating in order to maximize value for shareholders and employees over the long term. While it reviews the proposal, Yahoo said it is critical to continue its core mission and focus on running its business, executing its strategy and delivering value to all of its users, advertisers and publishers.
Yahoo already had been in negotiations in recent weeks to outsource its Web-search advertising in Europe to Google, say people familiar with the matter. Since last year, investors have called for Yahoo to abandon its own search advertising system, which generates significantly less ad revenue for each consumer search, and use ads from Google in return for a majority share of the revenue.
The discussions with Google, which could potentially be a first step to a broader search-ad outsourcing deal, are expected to continue despite Microsoft's approach, says one of the people familiar with the matter. Another person said the two sides recently hit a disagreement on the revenue split between them.
Citigroup Global Markets analyst Mark Mahaney in a Friday research note estimated that Yahoo could boost its cash flow more than 25% annually by outsourcing all its search advertising to Google. Yahoo executives had considered such a maneuver as part of a strategic review last year, according to people familiar with the matter, but Mr. Yang in October had signaled that it had decided against it.
"We believe having a principal position in both search and display advertising is critical to creating...long-term shareholder value," Mr. Yang told analysts during Yahoo's earnings conference call in October. Yahoo's recent poor performance, including a sinking share price prior to Microsoft's bid and a tepid 2008 revenue outlook announced Tuesday, heightened calls for bolder moves by Mr. Yang, possibly spurring the change of heart toward Google.
Rival bids, including any with Google's support, could be crucial to efforts by Yahoo to at least secure a higher price for the company. Some investors believe Microsoft's offer of $31 a share -- a 62% premium to Yahoo's Thursday 4 p.m. trading on the Nasdaq -- is low, given that Yahoo shares traded at $33.63 as recently as Oct. 26.
In addition, they contend that the premium Microsoft is offering is insufficient because Yahoo holds cash and shares in publicly traded companies, including Yahoo Japan Corp. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., with a total market value of more than $12 per Yahoo share.
"We've got a very fair offer in front of the Yahoo shareholders," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, in an interview yesterday.
In a meeting with analysts on Monday, Mr. Ballmer said Microsoft's offer is generous and he expects Yahoo's board to agree to the buyout quickly. "We trust the Yahoo board and the Yahoo shareholders will join with us quickly in deciding to move down an integrated path,'' he said.
Mr. Ballmer told analysts that the acquisition raises competition, by forming "a strong No. 2 competitor" against Google. "Google's clearly got a dominant position. They've got about 75% of paid search worldwide,'' Mr. Ballmer said. "We think this enhances competition. Anything else would be less good from that perspective.''
Microsoft's determination to do the deal, and its deep pocketbook, could well deter rival acquirers. Another factor in whether a bidder emerges could be the prospects for regulatory review of a Microsoft purchase of Yahoo, says one person familiar with the matter.
Google and Microsoft exchanged barbs yesterday related to that issue. Google Senior Vice President David Drummond in a blog post asked whether Microsoft could "now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC."
Mr. Drummond accused Microsoft, which has been targeted by antitrust regulators in the U.S. and Europe for years, of "frequently [seeking] to establish proprietary monopolies -- and then [leveraging] its dominance into new, adjacent markets."
Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith responded in a statement that "The combination of Microsoft and Yahoo will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling No. 2 competitor for Internet search and online advertising." Mr. Smith added that "the alternative scenarios only lead to less competition on the Internet."
Google identified instant messaging and Web email accounts as areas where a Microsoft-Yahoo combination would have "an overwhelming" market share. In the blog post, Google also questioned whether Microsoft could use its "PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors' email, [instant messaging] and Web-based services."
Microsoft had clearly identified competition from Google as a key reason behind its bid for Yahoo. In a letter to Yahoo's board making the offer on Thursday, Mr. Ballmer said the online advertising market is "increasingly dominated by one player," a reference to Google. "Together, Microsoft and Yahoo can offer competitive choice while better fulfilling the needs of customers and partners," he added. The two have been largely unsuccessful in their intensive efforts to narrow the gap with Google in Web-search market share and to challenge its growing lead in Internet ad sales.
While Google and Yahoo are intense rivals in those areas, they share deep roots in Silicon Valley, whereas Microsoft is a plane ride away in Redmond, Wash. Mr. Yang, a Yahoo cofounder, has been opposed to a sale to Microsoft in the past, and some at Google believe it should try to help, say people familiar with the matter.
Google also has a potential interest in trying to thwart Microsoft, or at least make it pay more for Yahoo, given that the two compete in a growing number of areas ranging from search and online ads to consumer email, word processing and spreadsheet offerings. Google's Mr. Schmidt and some other top executives are veterans of competitive battles with Microsoft, both while at Google, and from previous posts at Sun Microsystems Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp., later purchased by Time Warner's AOL.
* Write to Kevin J. Delaney & Matthew Karnitschnig (WSJ)
lundi 4 février 2008
Google Assails Microsoft Over Yahoo Deal*
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Google Inc. raised the specter of Microsoft Corp. using its proposed $42 billion acquisition of Yahoo Inc. to gain illegal control over the Internet, underscoring the online search leader's queasiness about its two biggest rivals teaming up.
The critical remarks, posted online Sunday by Google's top lawyer, represented the Mountain View-based company's first public reaction to Microsoft's unsolicited bid for Yahoo since the offer was announced Friday.
"Microsoft's hostile bid for Yahoo raises troubling questions," David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer, wrote. "This is about more than simply a financial transaction, one company taking over another. It's about preserving the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation."
Google's opposition isn't a surprise, given that Microsoft views Yahoo as a crucial weapon in its battle to gain ground on Google in the Internet's booming search and advertising markets.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft has been trying to depict a Yahoo takeover as a boon for both advertisers and consumers because the two companies together would be able to compete against Google more effectively.
But Google is painting a starkly different picture, asserting that Microsoft will be able to stifle innovation and leverage its dominating Windows operating system to set up personal computers so consumers are automatically steered to online services, such as e-mail and instant messaging, controlled by the world's largest software maker.
In a move that illustrates just how badly Google wants to torpedo the deal, Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt called Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang Friday to offer his help in repelling Microsoft, according to a report Sunday on The Wall Street Journal's Web site, which cited anonymous people familiar with the matter.
The assistance didn't include a counterbid, but may have included supporting other potential suitors, or a revenue guarantee in exchange for an ad partnership with Yahoo, the people said, according the newspaper.
AT&T Inc., Time Warner Inc. and News Corp. aren't planning to enter the bidding, the Journal said, citing the people familiar.
To help make its point, Google pointed to the way Microsoft previously used Windows to help extend the reach of its Web browser and other applications - a strategy that triggered a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit alleging the software maker illegally used its operating system to stifle competition. The dispute ended with a 2002 settlement that required Microsoft to abandon some of its past practices.
"Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC?" Drummond wrote.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said preventing Microsoft from buying Yahoo would undermine competition by allowing Google to become even more dominant than it already is on the Internet
"Microsoft is committed to openness, innovation, and the protection of privacy on the Internet," Smith said. "We believe that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will advance these goals."
If they get together, Microsoft and Yahoo would have about 16 percent of the worldwide Internet search market - still far behind Google's 62 percent share, according to comScore Media Metrix. But Microsoft and Yahoo already are far bigger in than Google in e-mail and instant messaging, and conceivably would be in a better position to squash rival services if they combined.
Illustrating the enormous stakes involved in a deal that could reshape the technology and media industries, Google and Microsoft are already debating the pros and cons before Yahoo has responded to the offer.
Yahoo so far has little to say except that its board will carefully examine Microsoft's bid - a process that "can take quite a bit of time," according to a message posted on the Sunnyvale-based company's Web site.
The review "will include evaluating all of the company's strategic alternatives, including maintaining Yahoo as an independent company," Yahoo said on its Web site.
Most analysts believe Yahoo will have little choice but to sell to Microsoft, with its stock price near a four-year low at the time of the bid and its profits falling since late 2006. When it was first announced, Microsoft's offer was 62 percent above Yahoo's market value - a premium analysts doubt any other suitor will be able to top.
If Yahoo accepts, antitrust regulators in both the United States and Europe are expected to begin an exhaustive review that some experts think could last a year. Microsoft believes it could get the necessary approvals to take over Yahoo late this year.
If nothing else, Google probably will try to raise enough alarms about the Microsoft-Yahoo deal to delay its approval for as long as possible. By doing so, Google would have more time to draw up plans to counteract the combination.
Google also is borrowing a page from Microsoft's book by urging antitrust regulators to take a hard look at the proposed marriage between its two rivals.
Just days after Google struck a $3.1 billion deal to buy online ad service DoubleClick Inc. last year, Microsoft began lobbying regulators to block the transaction. U.S. regulators blessed Google's DoubleClick acquisition late last year after an eight-month review, but the antitrust inquiry in Europe remains open.
* By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Business Writer
The critical remarks, posted online Sunday by Google's top lawyer, represented the Mountain View-based company's first public reaction to Microsoft's unsolicited bid for Yahoo since the offer was announced Friday.
"Microsoft's hostile bid for Yahoo raises troubling questions," David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer, wrote. "This is about more than simply a financial transaction, one company taking over another. It's about preserving the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation."
Google's opposition isn't a surprise, given that Microsoft views Yahoo as a crucial weapon in its battle to gain ground on Google in the Internet's booming search and advertising markets.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft has been trying to depict a Yahoo takeover as a boon for both advertisers and consumers because the two companies together would be able to compete against Google more effectively.
But Google is painting a starkly different picture, asserting that Microsoft will be able to stifle innovation and leverage its dominating Windows operating system to set up personal computers so consumers are automatically steered to online services, such as e-mail and instant messaging, controlled by the world's largest software maker.
In a move that illustrates just how badly Google wants to torpedo the deal, Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt called Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang Friday to offer his help in repelling Microsoft, according to a report Sunday on The Wall Street Journal's Web site, which cited anonymous people familiar with the matter.
The assistance didn't include a counterbid, but may have included supporting other potential suitors, or a revenue guarantee in exchange for an ad partnership with Yahoo, the people said, according the newspaper.
AT&T Inc., Time Warner Inc. and News Corp. aren't planning to enter the bidding, the Journal said, citing the people familiar.
To help make its point, Google pointed to the way Microsoft previously used Windows to help extend the reach of its Web browser and other applications - a strategy that triggered a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit alleging the software maker illegally used its operating system to stifle competition. The dispute ended with a 2002 settlement that required Microsoft to abandon some of its past practices.
"Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC?" Drummond wrote.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said preventing Microsoft from buying Yahoo would undermine competition by allowing Google to become even more dominant than it already is on the Internet
"Microsoft is committed to openness, innovation, and the protection of privacy on the Internet," Smith said. "We believe that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will advance these goals."
If they get together, Microsoft and Yahoo would have about 16 percent of the worldwide Internet search market - still far behind Google's 62 percent share, according to comScore Media Metrix. But Microsoft and Yahoo already are far bigger in than Google in e-mail and instant messaging, and conceivably would be in a better position to squash rival services if they combined.
Illustrating the enormous stakes involved in a deal that could reshape the technology and media industries, Google and Microsoft are already debating the pros and cons before Yahoo has responded to the offer.
Yahoo so far has little to say except that its board will carefully examine Microsoft's bid - a process that "can take quite a bit of time," according to a message posted on the Sunnyvale-based company's Web site.
The review "will include evaluating all of the company's strategic alternatives, including maintaining Yahoo as an independent company," Yahoo said on its Web site.
Most analysts believe Yahoo will have little choice but to sell to Microsoft, with its stock price near a four-year low at the time of the bid and its profits falling since late 2006. When it was first announced, Microsoft's offer was 62 percent above Yahoo's market value - a premium analysts doubt any other suitor will be able to top.
If Yahoo accepts, antitrust regulators in both the United States and Europe are expected to begin an exhaustive review that some experts think could last a year. Microsoft believes it could get the necessary approvals to take over Yahoo late this year.
If nothing else, Google probably will try to raise enough alarms about the Microsoft-Yahoo deal to delay its approval for as long as possible. By doing so, Google would have more time to draw up plans to counteract the combination.
Google also is borrowing a page from Microsoft's book by urging antitrust regulators to take a hard look at the proposed marriage between its two rivals.
Just days after Google struck a $3.1 billion deal to buy online ad service DoubleClick Inc. last year, Microsoft began lobbying regulators to block the transaction. U.S. regulators blessed Google's DoubleClick acquisition late last year after an eight-month review, but the antitrust inquiry in Europe remains open.
* By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Business Writer
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