So, Microsoft spent $240 million on 1.6% of Facebook (valuing it as the 5th largest Internet company). Then Google launches OpenSocial, with big names like MySpace, Six Apart (MovableType and LiveJournal), etc.
Is it any surprise that Microsoft ended up investing in the closed proprietary platform – one which will compete vs an open platform that’s essentially “everyone else that matters”?
I can just imagine it…
The suits of each of the companies involved in OpenSocial are discussing potential partners. Someone pipes up, “Hey you know what? Let’s get Microsoft to join us. They’ll love the idea of an open social network, and would contribute a lot to getting this project off the ground.” Everyone cracks up laughing, and the guy who spoke can no longer keep a straight face. “Okay okay, seriously, who else should we approach?”
