Microsoft: Is it making the connections?

Despite enormous investments, Microsoft has yet to unveil a comprehensive strategy for high-speed networks--and it risks being left behind by major deals between Web portals and bandwidth players.

Content revival in Redmond In the latest round of merger mania among Web portals, one major Net player has remained on the sidelines: Microsoft. Microsoft collects broadband bullion The software giant has spent billions of dollars collecting the pieces of a broadband puzzle, but how it will fit them together remains an open question. Is Microsoft breathing down NCI's neck? news analysis When Microsoft announced a two-for-one stock split, the splash drowned out news of its $500 million investment in British cable operator NTL.