Strumors - MSFThttp://strumors.com/symbol/msfthttp://strumors.com/1663According to a media report, Steve Ballmer was quoted saying that Microsoft is no longer interested in acquiring Yahoo. Shares of Yahoo traded down another 12 percent for the day as investors had hoped its low share price would incite Microsoft to make another offer.Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:12:07 -0500http://strumors.com/1663http://strumors.com/1660Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, reported that the company was hiring at the Web 2.0 summit this year. The company currently employees nearly 700 workers. Mark Zuckerberg dodge questions pertaining to Microsoft's $240 million investment in the company; however, he did state that the company did not need anymore funding.Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:55:56 -0500http://strumors.com/1660http://strumors.com/1610Microsoft reported a record first quarter beating analysts expectations by 2 percent. Sales of its server software increased by 18 percent to $3.4 billion led by strong sales of its new Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 releases. Microsoft Office 2008 is also performing well with its business division seeing a 20 percent increase in earnings.Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:29:39 -0400http://strumors.com/1610http://strumors.com/1597As part of Microsoft's decision to rapidly speed up its release of its next operating system, Ballmer indicated that Windows 7 is scheduled to be released by July of Next Year. Windows 7 is not expected to be a major release such as the upgrade from XP to Windows Vista; however, it is expected to include a large number of new features and technologies built upon Windows Vista.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:32:37 -0400http://strumors.com/1597http://strumors.com/1558On November 19, Microsoft is set to launch a major upgrade to its Xbox interface providing users a new feature set interface. The new interface, dubbed New Xbox Experience, will present games, movies, TV shows side by side providing for easier access. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:53:11 -0400http://strumors.com/1558http://strumors.com/1524According to sources, Microsoft is developing a voice activated iPhone application. The application, Tellme, is designed to offer voice activated search. Tellme is already available on a variety of other smart phones including RIMM's Blackberry. The application faces one issue in that Apple does not have button for the application to use for push-to-talk. It is expected the software to include a large virtual push to talk button. The application is not expected to be released until early next year.Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:09:42 -0400http://strumors.com/1524http://strumors.com/1494All three large companies announced a plan Monday to buy back shares of the companies at a time that most companies have been slowing the rates of share buy backs in order preserve capital. Microsoft announced a $40 billion buy back, HP announced a $8 billion, and Nike announced plans to buy back $5 billion in company stock. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:49:31 -0400http://strumors.com/1494http://strumors.com/1477Microsoft has released a new I'm A PC advertisement as part of its new ad campaign. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:39:22 -0400http://strumors.com/1477http://strumors.com/1401As part of Microsoft's strategy to catch-up with online competitors including Google and Yahoo, Microsoft has agreed to acquire Greenfield Online Inc. for $486 million. Greenfield operates popular shopping sites in Europe. Microsoft, who currently has 9 percent global search share, has an even lower share overseas. The move is aimed at helping Microsoft provide more services to help consumers find products on the Internet.Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:57:53 -0400http://strumors.com/1401http://strumors.com/1390Microsoft's new 3d photo imaging service slowed to a crawl its first day as the new website received over 286,000 upload requests. Users created over 7,500 new "synths," which allow users to mold multiple images together into a single three-dimensional rendering. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:22:44 -0400http://strumors.com/1390http://strumors.com/1377In an attempt to challenge Apple's advertising "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC," Microsoft has signed a multi-million dollar deal with Jerry Seinfield. The advertising campaign is designed to change public perception that Window's Vista is difficult to use when compared to Apple's Mac OSX. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:39:04 -0400http://strumors.com/1377http://strumors.com/1375Microsoft announced Wednesday that it is increasing its partnership with Novell. Microsoft is planning to purchase an additional $100 million worth of Novell Linux support certificates, which the company plans to offer to its customers for a premium. Microsoft also stated that it plans to work with Novell to develop tools to help its customers deploy Windows and Linux in mixed environments.Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:38:54 -0400http://strumors.com/1375http://strumors.com/1367Microsoft's Xbox 360 console beat the Sony PS3 in Japan weekly sales for the first time two weeks ago. Sales were driven up by the launch of Namco Banai's "Tales of Vesperia." A Japanese role playing game for the Xbox 360. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:00:34 -0400http://strumors.com/1367http://strumors.com/1365Microsoft's Office Open XML Format, the XML format used to save documents in Microsoft Office 2007, has gained approval from the International Organization for Standardization. The news is good for Microsoft as having an approved standard is required for gaining many government contracts.Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:40:03 -0400http://strumors.com/1365http://strumors.com/1334Facebook will be announcing a complete revamp of the analytics system provided to developers later today. The new system allows developers to better gauge the performance of their applications on the Facebook platform.Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:45:47 -0400http://strumors.com/1334http://strumors.com/1333Microsoft officially released its next version of its SQL Server database software. The new version offers several new features aimed at bridging the feature gap between its database server and Oracle's. The new version supports spatial data for non-uniform data and a new filestream data type designed to store files and documents efficiently.Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:04:58 -0400http://strumors.com/1333http://strumors.com/1295Although, many analysts questioning Microsoft's moves to continue to lose money in online services; Steve Ballmer stated that the company needs to increase its ante in order to stay in the game. Ballmer stated Microsoft will need to spend at least $1.2 to $1.5 billion in 2009 in just the area of online search to help the company "reinvent" its search. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:53 -0400http://strumors.com/1295http://strumors.com/1260Joined with Carl Ichan, Microsoft has made a new offered to acquire Yahoo. Microsoft gave Yahoo 24 hours to respond to its new offer, and Yahoo again declined the offer. Yahoo stated that the new offer was better than the previous offer; however, still came up short compared to what the company is worth.Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:41:12 -0400http://strumors.com/1260http://strumors.com/1208Bill Gates official says his farewells at Microsoft today. He built up the company to become the most valuable technology company, and he led the company to successful meet its goal of placing a computer onto every desk in every home.Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:42:28 -0400http://strumors.com/1208http://strumors.com/1184Microsoft has agreed to acquire Navic for an undisclosed amount. Navic Networks sells television advertising technology. Its technology is used to allow viewers to vote in reality shows, learn more about advertised products, check theater times, and even order pizzas.Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:27:23 -0400http://strumors.com/1184http://strumors.com/1169In a move aimed at stopping Yahoo from partnering up with Google, Microsoft has offered Yahoo $8 billion or $35 per share to acquire its search unit. Microsoft is deeply worried about Yahoo partnering with Google as the move would allow the two companies to control more then 90 percent of the market.Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:59:29 -0400http://strumors.com/1169http://strumors.com/1109After failed takeover bids and Ichan attempting to vote off Yahoo's board of directors, Microsoft and Yahoo are still in negotiations. This time the two companies are discussing the idea of a potential partnership agreement. It is clear that Microsoft is indeed still interested in Yahoo and the prospects that Yahoo will be able to bring in additional online revenues for Microsoft.Wed, 28 May 2008 21:27:48 -0400http://strumors.com/1109http://strumors.com/1048The primary reason Microsoft bailed on Yahoo is that the price didn't match up. Not only the initial takeover costs, but the costs to merge the two companies software would had been a costly and time intensive endeavor. And although acquiring Yahoo would helped Microsoft compete on the web front, Microsoft's real threat is that online services such as Google Docs may potentially challenge Microsoft's core Office software in the future.Sat, 10 May 2008 09:25:05 -0400http://strumors.com/1048http://strumors.com/1027In an unexpected move, Microsoft has withdrawn its bid for Yahoo stating the two companies could not agree on an acceptable price. Steve Ballmer stated that Microsoft had been willing to pay up to $44.6 billion for Yahoo; however, Yahoo wanted at least $53 billion. Sat, 03 May 2008 21:00:02 -0400http://strumors.com/1027http://strumors.com/1013Steve Ballmer told employees during a scheduled meeting that the decision about rather or not to proceed with the Yahoo acquisition would be coming "in very short order." He stated that Microsoft is evaluating three large options. Although not stated, the three large options are most likely, to walk away from the deal, offer a higher bid, or to take the bid directly to Yahoo's shareholders. Thu, 01 May 2008 18:30:17 -0400http://strumors.com/1013http://strumors.com/1012Microsoft leaked to the Wall Street Journal that it is willing to pay between $34 and $35 to acquire Yahoo; however, large Yahoo shareholders have indicated that they want an offer between $35 and $37 a share. This puts the two companies between $4 apart from making a deal. The leak also states that Microsoft does not want to pursue hostile negotiations and may still walk away from the deal altogether.Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:22:12 -0400http://strumors.com/1012http://strumors.com/995Microsoft's deadline for Yahoo to accept its takeover offer for $44.6 billion expired at midnight Saturday. Microsoft has already warned that it will take the vote directly to Yahoo's shareholders in a hostile takeover attempt to persuade Yahoo's shareholders to take the bid. Yahoo's board has been unwilling to negotiate with Microsoft stating that its current offer significantly undervalues its company; however, several shareholders have even gone as far as threating to sue Yahoo's board for failing to maximize shareholder value by not accepting the deal.Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:47:36 -0400http://strumors.com/995http://strumors.com/987Microsoft has been a huge supporter behind Vista; however, investors are beginning to question rather or not the operating system will be able to gain corporate sales. Since for companies to upgrade to Vista, it most likely would require them to purchase additional hardware as well as software licenses many companies have planned to put off the costly upgrade. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:32:34 -0400http://strumors.com/987http://strumors.com/984Shares of Microsoft declined over 5 percent Thursday after the company reported that its profits fell 11 percent in the third quarter and released lower than expected guidance for the next quarter. The company reported that sales of Windows dropped nearly 24 percent.Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:11:45 -0400http://strumors.com/984http://strumors.com/964At a technology conference in Seattle, Ballmer asked the audience how many people use Yahoo as their primary search engine. After only a handful of people raised their hands, Steve Ballmer stated "Wow! We offered 31 bucks a share."Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:37:40 -0400http://strumors.com/964http://strumors.com/911Microsoft has given Yahoo three weeks to accept their more then $40 billion buyout offer. After this period, Microsoft plans to take the deal directly to the shareholders. In January when the deal was initially offered the deal was valued at $44.6 billion. The deal is now worth $41 billion based on Friday's closing prices.Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:55:43 -0400http://strumors.com/911http://strumors.com/905Microsoft is still in the process of evaluating its offer with Yahoo. Sources familiar with the mater indicate that Microsoft's previous offer may be higher then Yahoo is current worth given recent market conditions and the Internet deteriorating online business. Yahoo has recently been struggling to keep online market share. Microsoft is still considering buying out Yahoo; however, thus far Yahoo has been not willing to enter reasonable negotiations. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:31:49 -0400http://strumors.com/905http://strumors.com/881Microsoft has released a limited hot pink box edition of its Microsoft Vista operating system bundled with a one year subscription of Windows Live OneCare. The edition will only be sold in the Japanese market and will coincide with Sakura or "Cherry Blossom" season, a large event in Japan.Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:02:27 -0400http://strumors.com/881http://strumors.com/852After numerous complaints, Microsoft has made the decision to offer free support for anyone experiencing issues with the new service pack. A lot of users have been experiencing issues with the service pack. Microsoft officially released SP1 last week. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:14:33 -0400http://strumors.com/852http://strumors.com/844The first major service pack for Microsoft Vista has been officially released. The update includes a collection of security fixes as well as other subtle updates. As the majority of businesses tend to wait for at least the first major service pack, this release represents a major psychological milestone eliminating a large concern with adopting a new operating system.Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:38:25 -0400http://strumors.com/844http://strumors.com/839According to comScore, the company faced a 0.2% decline in search engine traffic for the month of February. Over the past three years, Microsoft's search traffic has been constantly declining. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:24:24 -0400http://strumors.com/839http://strumors.com/838Sources indicate that Microsoft is thinking about offering an all cash deal to acquire Yahoo. The previous offer for $44.6 billion is now currently valued at $42 billion or roughly $29 a share and given market conditions an all cash deal may provide an increased incentive for the deal to go through.Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:59:39 -0400http://strumors.com/838http://strumors.com/778Microsoft is not expected to raise its current offer for Yahoo. Microsoft's takeover offer for Yahoo Inc. is currently valued at $40.9 billion. Microsoft's CEO stated that the offer is very reasonable despite Yahoo's rejection. Steve Ballmer reported at a press conference Monday that the deal make sense with the current price and that in time they hope that the bid becomes a reality. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:47:26 -0500http://strumors.com/778http://strumors.com/739Kevin Johnson, president of Microsoft's platforms and services division, stated in an internal e-mail that Microsoft has no plans for major lay-offs for either Microsoft or Yahoo employees. The e-mail aimed to ease employee concerns from both Microsoft and Yahoo employees related to the merger.Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:27:24 -0500http://strumors.com/739http://strumors.com/721In the bid for Yahoo, industry analysts have been betting that Microsoft will acquire Yahoo for less then $40 a share. Although, Yahoo rejected Microsoft's initial offer, over 90 percent of Yahoo's institutional investors also hold large investments in Microsoft. These investors have it in their best interest for Microsoft to not overbid for Yahoo, and they are concerned about the troubles integrating the two companies. Yahoo has been running out of options lately with no other companies offering competitive bids.Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:12:24 -0500http://strumors.com/721http://strumors.com/631Microsoft posted earnings of 50 cents per share up nearly 79 percent from the same quarter a year prior. Microsoft's strong performance was led by strong sales of its Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007. The company continues to lag behind in its online divisions; however, its software sales are performing above expectations despite a slowing economy.Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:16:52 -0500http://strumors.com/631http://strumors.com/619Microsoft announced Monday that it has acquired Calista Tehnologies and also expanded on its alliance with Citrix Systems. Citrix is developing the virtualization tool for Microsoft Server 2008 entitled Hyper-V, which will also be compatible with its own competing product, XenServer. The moves are part of Microsoft strategy to gain market share in the rapid growing virtualization market.Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:02:28 -0500http://strumors.com/619http://strumors.com/501Microsoft is set to release its Hyper-V, virtualization software, earlier then expected. Hyper-V will be an integrated feature of Windows Server 2008 scheduled to be released next year. As 67% of data center servers already run Microsoft's Windows Server operating system, Microsoft's advancements in its Hyper-V technology could go a long way towards gaining market share away from VMWare. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:32:36 -0500http://strumors.com/501http://strumors.com/484Microsoft reported Wednesday that it has acquired a British map making company, Multimap. Microsoft stated that the deal will provide Microsoft location and mapping technology to complement its existing services such as Virtual Earth and Windows Live Search. Multimap will function as a subsidiary owned by Microsoft.Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:34:07 -0500http://strumors.com/484http://strumors.com/434Facebook has modified its new advertising system to provide users greater control over their sensitive information regarding online purchases and activities. This comes after numerous complaints from privacy groups over its new ad system. Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:10:21 -0500http://strumors.com/434http://strumors.com/426Microsoft reported that the company plans to hire an additional 1,000 Chinese engineers next year. They currently have a staff of 5,000 Chinese workers. Steve Ballmer reported that the Chinese market was important to Microsoft; however, he noted that Beijing needs to do much more towards protecting intellectual property rights.Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:38:36 -0500http://strumors.com/426http://strumors.com/414Microsoft has officially finished Visual Studio 2008, and it is now available immediately to MSDN subscribers. Microsoft is planning the official launch on February 27th, a long with Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008. The new version of Visual Studio supports compiling for multiple versions of the .NET Framework eliminating the need of having to port your entire application to the newest framework.Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:57:36 -0500http://strumors.com/414http://strumors.com/411Facebook's new behavioral targeting advertising platform displays endoursments based off of products users purchase on Facebook partner sites. MoveOn.org has launched an online petition with more then 13,000 signatures already. Some Facebook members have even threatened to leave, stating that the ad campaign allowed their friends to see what they had purchased for them for christmas. Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:35:11 -0500http://strumors.com/411http://strumors.com/366In an attempt to one-up Apple, Microsoft is planning on offering engraving on the back of its new Zune Media Players free of charge. Microsoft's engraving not only allow names, but also allow full designs from contemporary artists. Microsoft's updated Zune player is set to hit shelves this Tuesday. Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:44:36 -0500http://strumors.com/366http://strumors.com/307Microsoft reported revenue growth of 27%, the highest increase in revenues the company has had since 1999. Microsoft announced net income for the quarter of $4.29 billion or $0.45 per diluted share. Sells of Microsoft Vista continued to have double digit growth as business demand has increased. Microsoft also successfully closed their largest acquisition ever of buying aQuantive. Microsoft also launched Halo 3.Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:42:03 -0400http://strumors.com/307