In today’s news, Google, Inc., has concerns about Microsofts proposed $42 billion acquisition of Yahoo and not for the reasons you would think. Google realizes there is more to this deal as it pertains to the worldwide internet search market. If Yahoo and Microsoft merge it would only account for 16% of the search engine market (which is no comparision for the 62% that Google holds). Google, Inc., opposition to the acquisition lays in the fact that Microsoft may try to incorporate the advanced online services Yahoo has developed into their Windows operating system setup; guiding new PC owners towards the services such as email and instant messaging. This move could stifle the innovations of other companies including Google.

Although Yahoo is currently reviewing the offer with their Board, most analysts believe there is little choice with its stock price near a 4 year low. The fact that Microsoft bid 62% above the market value of Yahoo indicates to some that this is a hostile bid. Most analysts doubt any other company will be able to top Microsoft’s offer.If Yahoo accepts, then both the U.S. and Europe antitrust regulators will need to review and approve the proposal, a process that could take up to a year. During that time Google may be able to setup plans for counteractive measures and better prepare for the merger.

Well that concludes our Tech News today so make sure to bookmark our site as we continually post new information.

Ebay has announced that they are cutting their fees by 50% which will start as of Feb 20th. They also have cut out the picture fee as this should be included on ecommerce sites. Where they are picking it up is on the sale end as a commission. If the product sells for under $25.00 it will be 8.75% but will be less on higher priced products.

They will also use customer ratings of the process to determine the rank in the searches so someone who has many dissatisfied customers will be lower in the searches. This has come about as the market on ebay is flattening due to all the cost and sellers are pulling out. They only had a small 4% increase of the last year and are now needing to compete with companies such as Amazon who charges $0.00 to list a product and you pay the commissions when something is sold.Not sure how long ebay will be able to hold on with the shift in the seller market, but they are looking to make a complete platform change in hopes of not going under. This all came to a head last year when Chief Executive Meg Whitman announced she would retire at the end of March. That is when Donahoe, president of eBay Marketplaces decided he needed to aggressively change eBay’s product, customer approach and business model.

Throughout the week, we scour online news sources for information you’ll find useful in building your own website’s presence online. Whether you run a full website, a blog, or a social community “lens,” “hub,” what have you, you’ll find useful internet marketing strategies here. Be sure to bookmark us and visit often!