Bill Gates: Very Encouraging of Microsoft-LinkedIn Deal

The transcript discusses the acquisition of LinkedIn by Microsoft, highlighting the potential synergies and value creation from the merger. It emphasizes the importance of LinkedIn's professional network and the opportunities for Microsoft to enhance productivity and communication. The speaker acknowledges the challenges of integration but expresses confidence in the teams involved. The market's reaction and the need to demonstrate value are also addressed.

What is the speaker's role at Microsoft, and how do they feel about the LinkedIn acquisition?

• A former employee, indifferent to the acquisition

• An active board member, enthusiastic about the acquisition

• A passive observer, skeptical about the acquisition

• A competitor, critical of the acquisition

What does the speaker believe about the combined value of Microsoft and LinkedIn?

• The combined value is less than the individual companies

• The combined value is equal to the individual companies

• The combined value is irrelevant to the market

• The combined value is greater than the individual companies

What does the speaker suggest about the market's expectations for the acquisition?

• The market is indifferent to the acquisition

• The market is fully supportive without proof

• The market wants proof of value creation

• The market expects immediate results

What aspect of LinkedIn does the speaker find particularly valuable for professionals?

• Its e-commerce capabilities

• Its entertainment content

• Its professional feed for career and industry insights

• Its focus on social networking

According to the speaker, what is crucial for the success of the LinkedIn and Microsoft integration?

• Ignoring LinkedIn's existing audience

• Focusing solely on Microsoft's existing strategies

• Changing LinkedIn's core functions

• Maintaining LinkedIn's core functions while leveraging synergies