Shaddows - 4:07 pm on Dec 5, 2008 (gmt 0)

Ye, they're both evil monopolies intent on taking over the world.

Alternatively, they're both about to collapse under the weight of their own arrogance.

How is anybody supposed to make flippant comments about the state of the world when its so uncertain. I think its very unfair of google (and MS) to send out such confusing signals about their own future.

Seriously though, kudos to both for doing well in what is definately a tough climate.

Concentrating on your core business (and cutting down the speculative 'extras') is common business practice in difficult times, just as speculating and diversifying is common in an expanding market. That G has started being more selective in the projects it persues merely indicates underlying economic realities, and does NOT indicate that its previous scatter-gun approach was wrong (even if it was a bit too scatter for my liking). Continuing with it now would be wrong IMHO.