Microsoft still interested in Yahoo search

THERE ARE RUMBLINGS from the office of Microsoft CEO Steve 'what is the sound of one hand clapping' Ballmer that he might be interested in writing a cheque for Yahoo's search business.

The shy and retiring CEO said Friday that he would would rather do a deal "sooner than later."

Whispering to the Wall Street Journal, Ballmer mimed that he thought that a search deal made great sense for Microsoft, and for Yahoo.

He added that, "I think good ideas are usually better done quickly than slowly, so it would probably be better for both us, and certainly for Yahoo, if we were to do it sooner than later."

Ballmer said that it was up to Yahoo, but he had expressed his interest, although there were no talks between the two yet.

Microsoft has been trying to boost its online clout and Ballmer said the company was ready to put up the dosh. µ

L'Inq
AP