Compworld - 10:05 am on Dec 18, 2003 (gmt 0)

That might be, but if we take your theory in hand, then the likely acquirer of Google would be MSFT. No company can compete against MSFT, and the ones that try, usually end up either bankrupt or eventually acquired by MSFT. Look at the video game sector. Nintendo, Sega, Atari, 3D0, etc. all out of the game console business all in part of consolation of the market. Some of those companies are know owned in some part by the console manufactures. The video game industry in not as important to every day life as the Internet. If you are correct and the Internet becomes completely monopolized by just two or three companies, I believe the customers will not stand for it, and eventually the DOJ and/or EU will be forced to step in an breakup the companies due to customer outcry and /or price discrimination. If that happens, a new evolution of service provides with arise while the good ole boys start to crumble do to the regulation of the Internet which was in part do to the consolidation of too many companies.

Either way, I do not believe that the governments’ of the world would want to have to regulate the Internet. But, if what you are suggesting does happen, then there would be no other alternative (I.E. AT&T, present day baby-bells, Standard Oil Co., and Microsoft).

I am sorry, but I believe that consumers, governments’ reps, and watchdogs will allow another monopolistic revolution in the Internet. Monopolies do no good, and are eventually dismantled by the governments anyway. Also, this would mean that a lot of companies around the world would also go out of business do too the shear force of these new consolidated companies. This would also trigger the DOJ and/or the EU to get involved and demand regulation or break-ups.

So, with all that said, I hope these CEO's that you are talking about have an alternative plan to make revenue. Because the way you are looking at things does not look to good in any scenario.

CompWorld