Bill Gates: Google doesn't understand the needs of businesses

Google really does not understand the special needs of businesses, as its model is based around consumer search, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates told attendees at the 2008 SharePoint conference here on March 3.

Answering a question about Google's competitive threat to SharePoint, Gates said that, "Its [Google's] productivity tools do not have the features and responsiveness of ours. In terms of Google tools, the day they announced them was their best day, really. Remember Google Talk? I can hardly remember its name? It was going to change the world," Gates said to much laughter and applause.

In contrast, SharePoint was about end-users and the ability to get things done, he said.

In response to a question about Microsoft's possible acquisition of Yahoo and the impact that could have on SharePoint going forward, Gates said such a deal would have little effect on SharePoint, but did reflect how serious Microsoft was about consumer search.

"The Yahoo deal shows our bullishness about search, but it's hard to speculate about whether the deal will get done or not," he said.