Microsoft May Sell Bonds: MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer November 21, 2008

Microsoft is may issue bonds for the first time. Considering Microsoft has a top credit ranking from both the S&P and Moody's, if Redmond were to issue bonds they would be in high demand. If Microsoft issues bonds, the company would generate a good deal of cash, which begs to ask the question, what will they use it on?

Verizon will release RIM's BlackBerry Storm today. The first BlackBerry with a touchscreen is expected to provide heathy competition to the iPhone during the Holiday season. The Storm, which retails for the same price as the iPhone (after subsidy), will receive a heavy promotional push from Verizon beginning today, a campaign that sources say could cost as much as $100 million.

Sony has eliminated price competition among retailers. The move, which applies to both high-end televisions and cameras, is an attempt to curb consumer purchasing stress over whether or not they are getting a good deal. Sony's goal is to eliminate the idea that customers need to shop around for the best deal, by making retailers sell their products for the same amount.

Salesforce.com's profit increased 55% during the third quarter, with revenue up 43%. Salesforce's increase in revenue helped beat out analysts predictions, and has some analysts wondering if online business software is more recession resistant than traditional software. Salesforce.com's stock was up on the good news.

Plus, today's consulting question, "Sirius-XM is trading at 14 cents. Is it over?" Shelly has the answer on today's MediaBytes.

Shelly Palmer is a consultant and the host of MediaBytes a daily show featuring news you can use about technology, media & entertainment. He is Managing Director of Advanced Media Ventures Group LLC and the author of Television Disrupted: The Transition from Network to Networked TV (2008, York House Press). Shelly is also President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY (the organization that bestows the coveted Emmy® Awards). You can join the MediaBytes mailing list here. Shelly can be reached at [e-mail]

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