Microsoft: Saving face by buying Facebook?

Microsoft, we get it: That Yahoo thing fell through, and picking up the pieces can be messy. But according to Kara Swisher at All Things D, Redmond just won't give up. The company has reportedly put together a Plan B that it refers to as "Project Granola," a name that makes "Zune" sound good.

And part of "Project Granola," Swisher wrote, is exploring the possibility of turning that $240 million stake in Facebook into an outright ownership.

More specifically, Microsoft's bankers have been shooting "subtle signals" in Facebook's direction, without expecting much of an outcome. "We just want to gauge their interest, more than any real effort," a shadowy financial type told Swisher, adding that he or she doesn't think Facebook will budge from its desire to eventually go public.

But the ultimate goal for Microsoft might be just to acquire some hot Web 2.0 names, not necessarily Facebook. In that case, the likes of Digg or LinkedIn might satisfy Steve Ballmer's appetite.

Just remember to have some plain yogurt with that granola, Ballmer. It tastes better if you keep it simple.

[msimoens]

Message to facebook: Please don't do it!

[reality123]

eh, anyone more than me that reacted upon the level of this article? sustainable addspace growth, through facebook?

[BlackMicro]

Say goodbye to FaceBook. You can't blame Microsoft for trying but they definitely don't have the touch. Hey, here's a thought... why don't you do what you do best OS's and software? It's a good place to start.

[forensicmeteoboy]

Facebook won't do it. They've said again and again, they're not going to just be bought. However, they need to do something, and fast.

Here at my college, Facebook seems to have decreased in popularity... and I can easily see why. It's not connected anymore. The "Applications" are stupid, limited, and because it seems FB will accept just about anyone, buggy. If they would have opened Applications to say, less than 100, it'd be fine. But now it's just a giant mess... and Facebook chat is more of an annoyance than anything.

[tigerdraft]

You're spot on with this comment. It's really buggy and slow, and most of the aps are pointless. I have several friends who have closed their accounts.

[Ian Kirkland]

I think saying that OSs and software are what they do best is hilarious considering the current state of Windows and Office tools. Yikes!
But, in any case, I agree. They should return to their primary business and stop trying to be all things to all people. Can you imagine if Ford started making frdges? LOL!

[JCPayne]

Poor M$..... 0- for 2- will look like an absolutely horrible track record.

[Magallanes]

Microsoft didn't buy facebook, cause currently this stink even worst that myspace.

[dangtrade]

Microsoft are still in their moneymoon period... i think they should divert this money into research & development and continue to do what they do best - for instance 'live mesh' - now that is some super cool stuff!

regards,
www.dangtrade.com

[karaokedagger]

If you want to see what Microsoft running Facebook would be like, check out:

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=fuS0dEfDjTo