For those who were concerned about Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Claria, your concerns have (apparently) been heard. For those who thought that Microsoft would not change a course laid out by its management team, your thoughts should be reconsidered. Today, Ed Bott is reporting that Microsoft will abandon its proposed acquisition of Claria. In my view, this is good. Claria has way too much baggage to overcome. The PR downside of such a purchase would have been immense. Microsoft has apparently recognized that the PR downside far outweighs any upside.
Again, props to Microsoft. The Microsoft of a decade ago might have plunged ahead simply to demonstrate their own arrogance. The Microsoft of today truly recognizes the value of a good corporate image – and the importance of “non-traditional” (WOM) message management.
-CyclingRoo-