Microsoft should buy Bebo

Microsoft should purchase Bebo. After reading a recent article that they already seem to be getting along, Microsoft is now the messenger behind Bebo messaging, I think they should go forth and purchase the entire social networking site. We interviewed Bebo back in May 2007 for our Marketing Podcast which ads more detail to their great story. Now here is why…

1. Microsoft needs to make some headway into the social networking space and the negotiations happenings around Facebook do not make it a likely candidate. It is becoming more popular and successful and Microsoft does not seem to be a likely candidate.

2. Clearly this deal represents a positive relationship between Microsoft and Bebo, and it is clear that Bebo allows other companies to build out its feature set instead of developing them on its own which is a fine business strategy.

3. It just makes sense. Google and Yahoo are pining over the Internet’s golden child Facebook right now and the focus has come off of MySpace and Friendster (whats that?)…meanwhile across the pond Bebo is growing stronger all the time.

4. Partnerships partnerships partnerships partnerships.

5. Microsoft needs a bold acquisition that will allow it to burst into the social networking scene and partner the move up with its current advertising practices including the aQuantive purchase and its own SEM practices. Microsoft is getting into the contextual ad game and this would provide a strong outlet to run for its content network. Microsoft’s soap box is not going anywhere fast, although it is a premiere destination for licensed and legal video.

Conclusion: The market would see this as an agile move on the Redmond giants part, and it would instantly make up for a lack of success in this space already.

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