Microsoft to buy Claria?

[SpyDie]

For the last two weeks, Microsoft has been in talks to buy a private Silicon Valley company, a move that underscores just how eager Microsoft is to catch up with Google, the search and advertising giant.

The company that Microsoft has pursued is controversial: Claria, an adware marketer formerly called Gator, and best known for its pop-up ads and software that tracks people visiting Web sites. The Gator adware has frequently been denounced by privacy advocates for its intrusiveness.

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+said+to+be+in+talks+to+buy+Claria/2100-1030_3-5769583.html

[EASTER]

Hmmm, very interesting read. Thanks.



Analysts said Microsoft would probably be most interested in the long-term potential of Claria's personalization software rather than its pop-up ads. Responding to customer complaints, Microsoft stopped selling pop-up ads on its MSN Web sites in May 2003.

[Corrine]

I seem to recall that MSAS doesn't detect Claria.  If my recollection is correct, I suppose that makes this announcement less surprising.