Microsoft invests $240m in Facebook for minority share : Tech Digest

The long-running saga of both Google and Microsoft wanting significant share in Facebook may be over, as Microsoft officially announces that it's invested $240m into the social networking company.

Facebook has been valued at $15bn, which gives Microsoft a fairly minor 1.6% stake. It's less than the five to ten per cent that analysts believed one of the two companies would bid for. However, it marks the beginning of a new funding round which could see a lot of money being thrown towards the network.

It's clear from Microsoft's press release that they're very keen on expanding their advertising reach.

There's collective talk, also, about "doing exciting things together in the future", though, unsurprisingly, there's nothing specific mentioned. I doubt most Facebook users will notice the difference, at least to begin with, though it will be interesting to watch as Facebook develops and receives more money.

We live in hope that it won't lose its independent nature to "corporateness". If it does, don't be surprised if some of the more vocal members walk away to other social networks. Most won't though — there's too much time and energy already invested in Facebook, and that can only work to their advantage.

Bad luck Google.