Google, Salesforce.com discuss alliance

Salesforce.com's stock price climbed by more than 4% in response to a report that the online software pioneer is poised to team up with Internet search leader Google in a double-barreled attack on Microsoft, an Associated Press report said.

The Associated Press report said that although details are still being negotiated, the alliance would most likely involve blending Google mass-market applications like instant messaging, word processing and spreadsheets with Salesforce.com's business programs for managing customer relationships, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The report added that Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, competes in all those fields, making it logical for Google and Salesforce.com to draw upon their respective strengths to thwart a common rival.

Investors seemed tantalized by that prospect as Salesforce.com shares rose $1.96, or 4.3%, to $47.76, the report said.

Google is still trying to close its planned $3.1 billion acquisition of online ad service DoubleClick in what would be its largest deal in its 9-history, it added.

Buying
Salesforce.com would cost even more, given the company's $5.5 billion market value, the report further said.