(Today we're running the first in what we'd like to become a continuing series of conversations about everybody's favorite tech brouhaha, Google vs. Microsoft. Every Friday, I'll pit my wits against Google Watcher Steve Bryant as we discuss competition between the two companies. The friendly fights begin Friday mornings, when one of us posts a note, and then the other responds. You readers, are of course invited to leave your thoughts in the comments.)

-----Original Message-----

From: Foley, Mary Jo

Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 8:08 AM

To: Bryant, Stephen

Subject: Where Should Vendors Stick Their Services?

Hey Steve,

Wondering if you noticed the news over at Microsoft Watch this week that Microsoft has done what many considered inevitable: Started using Windows as a way to hawk Windows Live Services?

It's not too surprising to me that Microsoft is splashing all over its Welcome to Vista screen (at least in one of the latest Vista test builds, No. 5506) promotional links, inviting users to download Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live OneCare, Windows Live Mail Desktop, and more. But I was surprised the Redmondians would be so bold as to actually embed Windows Live Messenger into Vista. After all the antitrust lawsuits Microsoft has been slapped with here, there and everywhere – many of which have focused on its "innovative integration" (a k a, bundling) strategies, you'd think they'd be a little more cautious.

With the actual Windows Live Messenger code (not just a download link) being integrated right into Vista, I think Microsoft might be really going out on a limb. When backed into a corner before about its integration strategy, Microsoft's defense was that removing any of the integrated components (Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, etc.) would break the OS. But if Vista test builds have been working just fine (well, middling, maybe, based on some not-so-happy tester comments) without Windows Live Messenger, how can Microsoft make a case for it being part of Windows?

Nathan Weinberg, over on his Inside Microsoft blog, is thinking the same thing I am:

"Wow, I guess Microsoft figured it had finished most of the old antitrust lawsuits, so why not give Google a chance? Sergey Brin and Larry Page can rest easy that, even if their companies loses to Microsoft, they can probably pull in at least half a billion in a lawsuit."

What do you think, Mr. Google Watcher? You think the Google guys are popping champagne corks over there in their well WiFi-ed Mountain View offices, glad the Softies made a misstep that's so easily attackable? Or do you think services vendors like Google, Yahoo and even Microsoft should be able to stick their services wherever they please?

Your Favorite Microsoft Watcher, MJF

In response, Mr. Bryant (confused by many a Googler with Tom Selleck), thinks Microsoft is being cautious in bundling Windows Live Messenger into Vista.

What do you readers have to say on the "to bundle or not to bundle" services question? Talk back below write me at mswatch@ziffdavis.com and
let me know what you think.