Catching Google is goal: Ballmer

MICROSOFT chief executive Steve Ballmer pledged that the company would gain share against Google in online advertising and web searching, even if it's his "last breath" at the company.

Speaking at Microsoft's MIX08 online technology conference in Las Vegas, Ballmer reiterated the justifications for its $US41.2 billion ($44.41 billion) unsolicited offer for Yahoo, saying the deal would accelerate its efforts to build a competitor to Google.

"So it may be my last breath at Microsoft, but we're going to be there, working away, building share," Mr Ballmer said during a bantering question-and-answer session with Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist and one of the first employees at Apple.

"In online, yeah, it's Google, Google, Google, and we're in the game. We're just the little engine that could," joked Mr Ballmer, whose company is the world's largest software maker.

In the wide-ranging chat with Mr Kawasaki, Mr Ballmer addressed criticism about Windows Vista, launched a few subtle jabs at Apple, and even re-enacted an infamous dance that earned him web video fame and earned him the unflattering nickname of "Monkey Boy" in some internet circles.

He didn't, however, have much to say about the company's offer for Yahoo. Microsoft has proposed buying Yahoo for $US31 a share in cash and stock. Yahoo's board has rejected the bid, saying it undervalued the company.

"We've made an offer, and it's out there, baby," said Mr Ballmer. The deal was originally worth $US44.6 billion, but Microsoft's stock slide has pushed down its value.

The Microsoft CEO said if a deal should go through, the two companies will look to reduce overlapping areas.

"We shouldn't have two of everything. It won't make sense to have two search services, two advertising services, two mail services, and we will have to sort some of that through," Mr Ballmer said.

Mr Kawasaki did not hesitate to bring up past embarrassing moments for Mr Ballmer, including references in an lawsuit that claimed Mr Ballmer threw a chair at a former employee who said he was leaving Microsoft for Google.

"Don't pick up a chair and throw it at me," Mr Kawasaki said with a laugh. "Don't go monkey on me either."

At one point, Mr Kawasaki asked Mr Ballmer if he viewed Apple like a Chihuahua that Microsoft kicks off its leg from time to time. Mr Ballmer proceeded to yelp like a dog before praising Apple.

Later, in response to Mr Ballmer's statement that Apple "punted" in web services, Mr Kawasaki, known for his ardent support of Apple products, said Apple may argue that Microsoft has punted in operating systems, a reference to some consumer dissatisfaction with the new Windows Vista operating system.

"They'd be wrong. Every day, statistically they'd be wrong. Last time I checked, there were a lot of governments that think we have a very high market share," said Mr Ballmer, who joked earlier that Mr Kawasaki's super-thin Apple MacBook Air lacked half the features of a PC.

Reuters