[Ron G]

...possible deals between AOL and either MSN or Google? I'm interested in both long-term and short-term analysis.

[alethiareg]

Well, it appears that Google is actually making a deal with AOL right now. In the short-term, this serves as a good business decision for Google, as it secures one of its major customers, AOL from Microsoft control. However, it is quite possible that Google will lose customers to Yahoo! in the long term if the deal with AOL compromises the perceived objectivity of Google's searches. However, since this deal may allow Google to make a profit in stock revenues should AOL go public, Google may become more of a threat as it will have more money to fund its projects.

[Charlie]

I don't think Yahoo has very much to worry about. I believe the number of people that use Yahoo Mail is high enough to keep Yahoo from having any really significant problems.

[CompGal]

I think that Yahoo needs to link up with an company more powerful than them. Or one that offers different services. I don't know if their email system is enough to sustain them. Especially if Google and AOL are going to join forces.