April 14, 2008 5:27 PM PDT
Report: Microsoft wants to buy Yahoo on its own
Microsoft, while entertaining an alliance with News Corp. or other options, would rather buy Yahoo on its own, Reuters reported Sunday, citing a source close to the company.
In addition, an unnamed source told Reuters that News Corp. is talking to Yahoo directly about a tie-up, though the source didn't share details.
Microsoft's attempt to acquire Yahoo has spawned a flurry of possible alliances and counter-alliances, none of them confirmed by the companies except a partnership under which Yahoo will test use of Google's search ads.
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank. 
