Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

Competition is healthy for business and for consumers.

Many people who feel Google has far too much power are happy to see news of a Microsoft bid for Yahoo. At $US 44.6 billion, this is big business.

However, there may be implications for small businesses who have  an internet presence. Like the share market, a business's fortunes and internet success can be affected by the whims and decisions made at Google, the dominant player in the search engine and online advertising fields.

Recent drops in Google assigned Page Rank, have affected many small businesses, especially those who sell services or products online, or who engage in internet marketing.

Yahoo recently announced layoffs, so the timing appears good for both Yahoo and Microsoft. Let's hope the Microsoft bid for Yahoo succeeds.

• What do you hope will come out of this bid?