Just when we all thought that the failed Microsoft-Yahoo deal has already been put to rest, here comes Microsoft still hoping that previously failed talks will be renewed, especially now that Yahoo has a new CEO in Carol Bartz.
Kevin Turner, COO of Microsoft during an interview with the Times hinted that a partnership with Yahoo might still happen. Although if ever Yahoo agrees to open the re-negotiations, Mr. Turner said that this will be a smaller scale than the previously planned partnership. Microsoft is still keen on a search partnership with Yahoo, Mr. Turner hinted.
This comes hot on the heels of a recent buzz created by Microsoft’s supposed closed beta-testing of its re-branded search engine running on the Kumo domain. Is this an indication that should a partnership pushed through with Yahoo, Microsoft will integrate Yahoo search and the Kumo-branded search service.
What if Yahoo agrees to another agreement with Microsoft? Which search branding will it push, Yahoo or the rumored Kumo? And if this deal would be on a smaller scale, how much is Yahoo willing to take and how much is Microsoft willing to offer?
Wow. Bad ideas never die. But then I suppose Microsoft itself is proof of that.