Did Salesforce Need to Keep LinkedIn Away From Microsoft?

The transcript discusses Salesforce's interest in acquiring LinkedIn, highlighting the financial challenges and competitive dynamics involved. It explores the value of LinkedIn's data for CRM vendors like Microsoft, Oracle, and Salesforce, and the potential impact on sales efficacy and cycle shortening. The discussion also touches on the financial capabilities of Microsoft compared to Salesforce in making such an acquisition.

In what ways could the acquisition of LinkedIn benefit Salesforce's competitive position against Microsoft?

Discuss the implications of Microsoft also being interested in LinkedIn.