Yahoo gets nary a mention at Microsoft confab
REDMOND, Wash.--Republican strategist Cyrus Krohn wasn't the only elephant in the room at Microsoft's ad conference on Tuesday.
Indeed it was the other one--Yahoo--that loomed largest inside the walls of the Microsoft Conference Center. At least three Microsoft executives spoke about the company's online business but none addressed discussions with the Internet pioneer.
But with CEO Steve Ballmer dodging eggs in Europe and the heads of Microsoft's online business all gathered here, I wonder who it is that's doing the talking with Yahoo?
Well, I guess that's what having thousands of employees is good for--multitasking. I'm sure there are enough Microsoft online folks to simultaneously tell advertisers how strong its organic growth is while also talking to Yahoo to try to fix its obvious shortcomings.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
