Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? in Security http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r13779376 en Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:43:36 EDT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:43:36 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13787931 TK421 : Wow this is unbelievable. I often read a bunch of news stories online before I go to bed and would have thought this particular NYT article was a hoax since nobody was discussing it. Now the story is all over the place. I'm beginning to question the wisdom in allowing MS to auto-install updates on my computer and how could anyone trust MS-AntiSpyware (or A1) if they are marketing "spyware" themselves? Somehow I doubt this will actually amount to anything though, because Microsoft is a lot of things but they aren't stupid. The Claria deal may be attractive to them but that acquisition will seriously damage Microsoft's reputation.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13787931 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:25:29 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786857 mers2 : While it's too soon to pass judgement on the sale Mike Healon brings up some interesting past history in the current newsletter. Take it with a grain of salt but keep it in mind if the sale goes through.:

»www.spywareinfo.com/newsletter/a···ne30.php

"In the past, Microsoft's MSN web site was caught using redirection and session ID tracking to track visitors across a range of Microsoft owned web sites, even if all sites involved had their cookies blocked by the user.

The Windows Media Player program was caught red handed sending the name of movies viewed to a Microsoft server, along with a unique tracking number. After Microsoft initially denied doing it, packet logs were produced proving that it was happening. Shortly thereafter, this behavior was stopped. "
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God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786857 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:04:29 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786796 hpguru :
said by B See Profile:

said by hpguru See Profile:
said by B See Profile:

That would be lovely, of course, hpguru See Profile, but think about it. If that were MS's intention, WHY would they have to hide it in any way?
I don't think there is anything odd or underhanded about companies declining to discuss acquisitions which may still be in negotiations. Why do you?
That's completely unfair to me, a straw man pulled out of the ether, and counterintuitive to boot.



LOL! Funny. :D
--
Get hpHOSTS! Member ASAP
Downing St. memo: BUSH LIED, YOUR SON DIED.
REMEMBER 1776! NEVER FORGET!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786796 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:54:33 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786586 mers2 :
said by SnowyOne See Profile:

One thing is for sure if it's true that Microsoft is in discussion with Claria/Gator re a buyout.
Wether the sale materializes or not, Microsoft is going to know more about the inner workings of Spyware, Claria/Gator in particular. Microsoft will be holding the winning hand if a sale comes down to the 11th hour. On the other hand, any non-disclosure agreements signed by Microsoft for the purpose of negotiations could neuter Microsoft's Anti Spyware app as far as Claria/Gator goes.
Agreed. Microsoft is going to have to be open and above board if they go through with this sale to maintain credibility. I'd also like assurances that they won't be using the Claria's database collected via Gator scumware from unsuspecting users.
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God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786586 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:26:51 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786423 SnowyOne : One thing is for sure if it's true that Microsoft is in discussion with Claria/Gator re a buyout.
Wether the sale materializes or not, Microsoft is going to know more about the inner workings of Spyware, Claria/Gator in particular. Microsoft will be holding the winning hand if a sale comes down to the 11th hour. On the other hand, any non-disclosure agreements signed by Microsoft for the purpose of negotiations could neuter Microsoft's Anti Spyware app as far as Claria/Gator goes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786423 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:05:31 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786122 B :
said by hpguru See Profile:

I don't think there is anything odd or underhanded about companies declining to discuss acquisitions which may still be in negotiations. Why do you?
That's completely unfair to me, a straw man pulled out of the ether, and counterintuitive to boot. I was responding to two things: (1) the article that goes into some detail about how both Gates and Ballmer are actively pursuing Claria ("Mr. Ballmer... gave approval to begin negotiations with Claria"). (2) your specific and rather crazy theory that "one way to fight spyware would be to patent it. Perhaps that is just what MS is planning."

I'm concerned with what's been reported, not with what MS isn't saying, as you seem to be. I know -- I'll assume, with no evidence, that MS is in secret talks to donate all profits to accelerating the search to cure cancer. That's at least as discussion worthy as your theory. Some of the rest of us would prefer to discuss the (very few) tangible things reported in the article, rather than empty theories.

And frankly, who said a darned thing about "companies declining to discuss acquisitions which may still be in negotiations"?? That's a rather silly straw man argument you've set up there.

It's further strained by your "Commies Go Home; Why Don't You Go Back Where You Came From; MS: Love It Or Leave It" rant, which doesn't merit much further attention.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13786122 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 22:25:52 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785666 mers2 :
said by redxii See Profile:

said by mers2 See Profile:

Someone on Slashdot hints that the 500 mil is probably for Claria's data, not their software. They'll buy Claria but drop the software.
Using the data would be just as unethical to me.
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God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785666 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 21:35:46 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785612 WFO : I've always been curious about Linux. If this goes through, Gentoo here I come. LOL.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785612 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 21:30:35 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785089 redxii :
said by mers2 See Profile:

I'll be waiting to see what Microsoft does should the sale go through.
See, now that's all i'm asking for. If we all do this I don't have to sift through nonsense.

Someone on Slashdot hints that the 500 mil is probably for Claria's data, not their software. They'll buy Claria but drop the software.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13785089 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 20:28:40 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13784548 mers2 : I'll be waiting to see what Microsoft does should the sale go through. If they buy Claria to put it out of business, I'll be sad to see Claria make a final profit but happy to have them gone. I would then be among the first to cheer Microsoft. If they use Claria's database and/or technologies in their own software to track users or push advertising it will ensure a 100% switch to Linux for me. The temptation for MS to do the latter is going to be strong from a money making stance.
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God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13784548 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:09:05 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13783669 catseyenu : Anyone that would reward a company like that is no friend to those concerned about security or privacy.
I'll bet the boyz over at 180 and CWS are pitching a tent just thinking what they could cash in on. :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13783669 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 17:12:15 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13783026 TeMerc : I think Ed Bott sums it up best, if MS were to try and make this work:
The only way it makes sense is if Microsoft buys the company, fires everyone involved with it, has their buildings exorcised, and rewrites every line of code in their product.
Even then, most in the security felid would still be up in arms.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13783026 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:50:00 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782813 KyeU : Maybe Microsoft thinks by buying Claria/Gator, they can do the public a service by removing their crapware.

But more crapware companies can spawn from the $500 Million...

They're not really doing anything; they're probably making it worse. :mad:

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782813 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:22:10 EDT Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ???. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782673 email scope : Yup. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782673 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:03:54 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782631 John2g : Some of the responses remind me of Chicken-licken who thought the sky was falling down :)
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Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782631 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 14:57:08 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782281 TeMerc : Here is Ben Edelmans take:

Today's New York Times reports Microsoft "in talks" to buy Claria. Leading commentators think it's a bad idea (1, 2). I agree.

I first heard this rumor several weeks back, but I laughed it off as too crazy to be taken seriously. What could Claria offer Microsoft? Most obvious is Claria's large installed base -- reportedly some 40-million PCs. But Claria's installation practices are troubled -- tricking users with ads that look like Windows dialog boxes, on kids sites, touting features Claria knows users don't need (like clock-synchronizers already built into current versions of Windows). And in Claria's oft-installed bundle with Kazaa, Claria's long license lacks section headings, making it exceptionally hard for users to figure out what Claria does or to reasonably assess Claria's terms. Microsoft wouldn't want installations obtained through such poor practices.

More......

»www.benedelman.org/news/063005-1.html]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13782281 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 14:10:23 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781787 NeOmega : If this happens, I'll never buy a Microsoft product ever again on principle alone. I don't care what they plan on doing with Claria/Gator..... companies like that should not be rewarded with $500,000,000 for having a "subscriber base"... more like a subscriber prison.

I like Microsofts products, as they work fine for what I need, but I swear this is idiocy. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781787 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 13:14:22 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781589 redxii : People are assuming MS is going to inject adware code into Windows itself.

I can't find the basis for an anti-MS rant. If you must rant this early, then you need to either A) Step outside for a minute, or B) find a new hobby other than computers.

For all we know there won't be any application to Windows itself.
--
"If you like linux then use it otherwise stop preaching about linux we all already know about it and if we like it we'll use it. If you keep pestering people you look like those annoying Jehovah's witnesses... [..] with nothing better to do."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781589 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 12:50:11 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781277 hpguru :
said by B See Profile:

That would be lovely, of course, hpguru See Profile, but think about it. If that were MS's intention, WHY would they have to hide it in any way?


I don't think there is anything odd or underhanded about companies declining to discuss acquisitions which may still be in negotiations. Why do you?


[Anti-anti-MS Rant]
For those of you who dispise Microsoft so much, why don't you just replace Windows with Free BSD and be done with them once and for all? Continuing to use the OS of a company you don't, won't, or cannot trust is just plain S T U P I D. And don't tell me you have to use Windows. There are plenty of busy productive individuals who have never allowed a Windows CD to over-shadow their CDRom bay, yet they get the job done.
[/Anti-anti-MS Rant]

--
Get hpHOSTS! Member ASAP
Downing St. memo: BUSH LIED, YOUR SON DIED.
REMEMBER 1776! NEVER FORGET!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781277 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 12:06:28 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781264 Tuulilapsi : Well, now that you mentioned it...

On the darker side of things, I don't see how even Microsoft could clear the name of GatorClaria.
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And lead me not into temptation - for I can find my way there myself easily enough.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781264 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 12:05:14 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781196 dave : Isn't scientology all about getting claria clear?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13781196 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:53:54 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780998 Tuulilapsi : If they actually do that, Dave, I'm going to use that as the basis of an entire new religion. Maybe I'll call it scientology. :D
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And lead me not into temptation - for I can find my way there myself easily enough.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780998 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:28:09 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780987 TheJoker :
said by dave See Profile:

If Microsoft wanted to be heroes, they could use some of their cash reserves to buy up some adware companies, acquire sole rights to the particular technology used, and then ... do nothing with it. Kill it.
The only thing that would do is encourage other malware companies to want to become the next acquisition buyout.
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Proud ASAP member since 2005]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780987 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:26:04 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780869 antiserious :
... I suspect you're right - which effectively neuters MSAS in this area, since they won't rat themselves out ... I wonder just how closely CounterSpy follows the MSAS definitions, and what's in their 'sharing' agreement with MS regarding specific products ...

... the plot thickens ... or sickens, depending on you POV ...

--
... "Nobody's perfect - well, there was this one guy, but we killed Him" ... Christopher Moore, 'Lamb' ...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780869 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:10:06 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780748 B : Ah, but without "spyware" there IS no "targeted advertising" for anyone who uses NIS, or ZoneAlarm Pro, or AdBlock, or...

The pre-installed spyware components from "Gator, the Spyware Company(TM)" are crucial to the whole deal.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780748 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:46:47 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780689 antiserious :
said by hpguru See Profile:

I wouldn't be so quick to bash Microsoft over this.

... while I agree it's too early to get hysterical, MS doesn't exactly have a track record of putting user security at the top of the list ... underneath it all, however, is something I've railed about many times before - in relation to junk mail, spam, and most forms of unsolicited advertising ... I believe the default setting for all these things should be "I'm OUT until I opt-in" ... obviously that's reverse-reality, but just think of how many trees it would save if it ONLY eliminated all the mattress ads I see in my mailbox (the actual black rectangle nailed to the building, that is) ... and while electronic ads are more eco-friendly in some ways, they're no less annoying (but mercifully short-lived) ...

... I see this as more geared to targeted advertising than spyware - there's WAY more money in ads ...

... f w i w ...

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... "Nobody's perfect - well, there was this one guy, but we killed Him" ... Christopher Moore, 'Lamb' ...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780689 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:35:34 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780674 Martinus :
said by B See Profile:

So if the REAL intent were "purchase Spyware in order to destroy it" then why wouldn't they come out and say so?
Because that theory doesn't make sense. It's like buying some acres of a burning forest in order to put down the fires.
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From the GSV "Ethics Gradient"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780674 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:32:02 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780604 B :
That would be lovely, of course, hpguru See Profile, but think about it. If that were MS's intention, WHY would they have to hide it in any way?

The company(ies) being purchased wouldn't care -- they're only concerned in how much cash the sale is worth to them.

I doubt the government would care.

Consumers would certainly appreciate it.

So if the REAL intent were "purchase Spyware in order to destroy it" then why wouldn't they come out and say so?

-- B
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In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780604 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:21:54 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780590 hpguru : I wouldn't be so quick to bash Microsoft over this. The takeover if such plans exist has yet to materialize. Furthermore as Dave points out MS may have something entirely different in mind. I have suggested in the past that one way to fight spyware would be to patent it. Perhaps that is just what MS is planning.
--
Get hpHOSTS! Member ASAP
Downing St. memo: BUSH LIED, YOUR SON DIED.
REMEMBER 1776! NEVER FORGET!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780590 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:19:29 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780586 B :
said by antiserious See Profile:

Claria, based in Redwood City, Calif., is moving beyond pop-ups to personalized services, like delivering local weather information and distributing software that lets Web publishers offer personalized pages.

Software tailored to individual preferences and browsing habits opens the door to personalized advertising.
Am I just not a big enough thinker to understand Ballmer and Gates, or isn't it reasonable to deem as evil all "Software tailored to individual preferences and browsing habits [that specifically] opens the door to personalized advertising."

Is there any way in which this CAN'T be perceived as a net blow to consumers (all Googlish innovation notwithstanding). Which reminds me, I see Google innovating like mad, even via its acquisitions (earth.google.com), but MS has been chanting "innovation" for years since the monopoly charges hit, and I just don't see it.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780586 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:19:04 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780536 antiserious :
... more from the article: ...

One person briefed on the deal said there was opposition within Microsoft to the acquisition.

The anti-deal group, the person said, fears the move could bring an outcry as critics portray Microsoft as a corporate Big Brother, trying to track every mouse click on the Web and profit from it.

Those in favor of the deal, this person said, believe Microsoft could help clean up the adware field, establish rules to protect privacy and benefit from the anticipated increase in personalized advertising.

Both Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, and Bill Gates, the chairman, have been involved in that debate inside the company, according to that person.

Neither Microsoft nor Claria would comment on the negotiations.

Claria, based in Redwood City, Calif., is moving beyond pop-ups to personalized services, like delivering local weather information and distributing software that lets Web publishers offer personalized pages.

Software tailored to individual preferences and browsing habits opens the door to personalized advertising. That emerging ad market is of great interest to Microsoft for its MSN Web sites, as it is for Google, which recently began testing services like individually customized Google home pages and software that stores the Web pages a user visits most often, for faster display.


... and somewhere, the spin doctors are gearin' up ...

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... "Nobody's perfect - well, there was this one guy, but we killed Him" ... Christopher Moore, 'Lamb' ...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780536 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:10:55 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780396 SUMware : From the NYT article
This year, according to the person briefed on the talks, Claria approached Microsoft about using one of Claria's new services, called BehaviorLink. The service would track the surfing patterns of the 40 million people who have Claria software installed on their PC's, but would use that information to buy ads directly from publishers. Publishers would be paid for showing the ads; Claria would be paid by marketers who want to reach consumers; and users would see fewer pop-ups.

Mr. Ballmer, according to the person briefed on the talks, had been pushing Yusuf Mehdi, the senior vice president in charge of MSN and Microsoft's search business, to be more aggressive in closing the gap with Google, including making acquisitions. And Mr. Ballmer, this person said, gave approval to begin negotiations with Claria two weeks ago.

Analysts said Microsoft would probably be most interested in the long-term potential of Claria's personalization software rather than its pop-up ads. Responding to customer complaints, Microsoft stopped selling pop-up ads on its MSN Web sites in May 2003.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780396 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 09:49:40 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780332 B : Now on the front page at »Microsoft to Buy Gator/Claria?

Since I don't feel like using »BugMeNot.com at present, all I see is:

Microsoft Said to Be in Talks to Buy Adware Developer

Microsoft has been in talks to buy a private Silicon Valley company, a move that underscores just how eager Microsoft is to catch up with Google.
The headline contradicts the lead paragraph -- "has been in talks" is VASTLY different from "said to be in talks". Not that the NYT has been a stalwart example of journalism in the last couple of years.

In any case, I agree this sounds like an April Fool's joke.

While this is completely in keeping with MS's past behavior (they never seemed remotely interested in security or privacy and never had the slightest hesitation in marketing to anyone and everyone) I was really trying to take the whole MSAS thing seriously.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780332 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 09:38:32 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780194 dave :
said by Tuulilapsi See Profile:

Gator? I sincerely hope this is not true. Not only is it an incredibly bad marketing move, it would also appear to be pointless.
If Microsoft wanted to be heroes, they could use some of their cash reserves to buy up some adware companies, acquire sole rights to the particular technology used, and then ... do nothing with it. Kill it.

That wouldn't be pointless.

It might even save Microsoft some money: easier to kill the enemy than develop defences.

This is of course pure dreaming on my part.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13780194 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 09:13:35 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779922 ilago : Gator/Claria/GAIN are claiming a 40 million user database. This gives them a montrous database of information that is identifiable to a particular machine, if not the actual user, and access to a great deal of personal information about their users.

Microsoft claim about 85% of the desktop market worldwide and already have their own huge database of user information. How secure is the Microsoft promise of no personally identifiable information being collected during product activation, updating and error reporting?

Will Microsoft Antispyware remove this product or intervene in the installation of this product?

Surely Microsoft would be eroding the tiny gains they have managed to make in the credibility stakes on security issues?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779922 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 08:10:24 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779798 anon : is M$ listening??]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779798 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 07:26:57 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779582 Tuulilapsi : Gator? I sincerely hope this is not true. Not only is it an incredibly bad marketing move, it would also appear to be pointless. :mad:
--
And lead me not into temptation - for I can find my way there myself easily enough.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779582 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 06:08:00 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779556 fict0n : I knew there had to be something behind the intrinsic tackiness of Longhorn. It looks like a new FastTrack client that embeds into your OS. Only an adware-pusher could design something like that.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779556 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:58:59 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779528 Logan 5 : WTF?!?

I had to check the clock to make sure that we didn't warp ahead 9 months and it was April Fools Day.

Talk about putting your industry credibility out of it's misery.....

Can someone PLEASE explain the correlation between Claria/Gator and Google, and WHY it would make sound business sense for Microsoft to assimilate them?

Has the lack of hair on Ballmer's head FINALLY got to him?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779528 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:37:11 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779522 Cudni : from link

".. The offer price on the table as recently as yesterday was $500 million, according to people who have been briefed on the talks. ..
...
The service would track the surfing patterns of the 40 million people who have Claria software installed on their PC's ..."

Claria is worth 500M $US? It has 40m users?

I can only hope MS doesn't proceed with the deal

Cudni
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Help yourself so God can help you]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779522 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 05:31:13 EDT Re: Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779400 richter35 : This is getting ridiculous. The Three Musketeers are working hard to bundle their precious desktop search applications with anything out there. I do not know who makes me sick more, the software makers or the companies who agree to bundle them.

I just hope this doesn't bounce off their head. I understand that the market has big potential and they're playing cat and mouse with each other, but using this kind of technique to "force" users to use/install their applications is just unacceptable, IMO.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779400 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 04:10:58 EDT Is Microsoft about to buy Claria/Gator ??? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779376 TK421 : An interesting story from The New York Times: Microsoft Said to Be in Talks to Buy Adware Developer

quote:
For the last two weeks, Microsoft has been in talks to buy a private Silicon Valley company, a move that underscores just how eager Microsoft is to catch up with Google, the search and advertising giant.

The company that Microsoft has pursued is controversial: Claria, an adware marketer formerly called Gator, and best known for its pop-up ads and software that tracks people visiting Web sites. The Gator adware has frequently been denounced by privacy advocates for its intrusiveness.

The offer price on the table as recently as yesterday was $500 million, according to people who have been briefed on the talks. But a person close to Microsoft said last night that the negotiations were on the verge of breaking off.


Every adware/spyware remover worth a grain of salt detects Claria/Gator as something we definitely don't want... does Microsoft really believe it can legitimize this move? Claria has played hard against some privacy advocates - just one example is told on the PC Pitstop website: Gator Information Center.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13779376 Thu, 30 Jun 2005 04:01:38 EDT