Microsoft and DoubleClick have been negotiating for the possibility of a buyout. Then suddenly, Google enters the arena and buys the Internet marketing company right from under the Redmond Giant. This strategic move will reinforce Google’s place as leading software company on the Web and will weaken its rival’s position in the field of digital marketing.

With its $3.1 billion acquisition, the Internet giant secures entry into the promising business of display advertising and thwarts Microsoft in online search.

Source: BusinessWeek.com