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Microsoft Trolling for New Acquisitions

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the playing-catch-up dept.

NewShinyCD writes "Sources tell Valleywag that startup Ustream.tv is in advanced discussions with Microsoft to acquire the lifecasting service for more than $50 million, but there are other companies in the bidding as well. Ustream is currently raising a very large initial round of VC financing, and Microsoft is attempting to grab them prefunding for a cheap price. Our tipster also mentions that Microsoft would use Ustream as a way to promote its Adobe Flash competitor, Silverlight." Relatedly, Microsoft has also announced their intent to buy Sidekick maker Danger. Financial details of the Danger buyout were not disclosed.

3 of 142 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Wow, that's quite a title. by Pantero+Blanco · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I wonder how the person who wrote that title feels about Microsoft?

    Next up: "Microsoft cruising seedy bars on the hunt for fresh start-up action."

    The word "trolling" means fishing by pulling lures through the water, which isn't a bad analogy. It didn't come into existence after the birth of Usenet.

    "Microsoft Fishing for New Acquisitions" doesn't sound so bad, does it?
  2. Just curious: by Mongoose+Disciple · · Score: 5, Funny

    Have you ever tried working on Flash as a developer? I'd pretty much rather slam my balls in a car door than do so again.

    Anything that makes Flash actually have to compete in the marketplace is a good thing.

  3. Diworsification by TruthfulLiar · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Some investment book I was reading (Peter Lynch, maybe) referred to companies investing in areas outside their traditional areas as diworsification because when companies did it, it usually hurt the business. And in either Built to Last or Good to Great, Jim Collins says that great businesses stick to their main thing they do well (their "hedgehog concept"). I wonder if Microsoft has lost its vision. Seems like they would do better if they focussed on making a great OS (their main strength) for mobile phones rather than making phones (not their strength).