AOL Sticking with Google

By Jimmy Daniels
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

I had read somewhere yesterday that Microsoft and AOL had decided to work together, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, correct me someone if I am wrong I did not register to read the article, but today it appears that they stopped the deal with Microsoft and have decided to go with Google again instead.

Google may pay $1 billion for a 5 percent stake in America Online as part of an exclusive deal with Time Warner that would strengthen ties with the search giant instead of dumping Google for Microsoft.

As part of the current negotiations with Google, AOL would be able to sell additional ads for its search engine also powered by Google on top of those provided by Google, according to a report Friday in The Wall Street Journal Online. Google also could promote AOL Web sites among sponsored links in search results, according to an unidentified source in the report. The report said the deal would not be finalized until after Time Warner’s board meets on Wednesday. Source: News.com

We Say: So, Microsoft cost Google a billion dollars. That has to make them feel a little better, even though they lost out on the deal. So where does Microsoft go now for new traffic and eyeballs? I can see AOL’s side, take the money and not give up any control, while Google just keeps on keeping on.