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Gates: is too soft on Google
26.10.2005 | 08:42
Galya Yemini

Bill Gates took advantage of his first visit to Israel to launch an attack on Google, and against the press, which he feels is too soft on the burgeoning rival. He also said his chief purpose in visiting Israel, 17 years after but Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) first began operations here, is to learn what's happening here.

Israel has very strong universities in mathematics and computer science, Gates said, and contributes to technology not only through startups but through the R&D divisions of the major companies, such as Intel (Nasdaq:INTC) and Motorola (NYSE:MOT).

He also professed great satisfaction with Microsoft's own development center in Haifa.

As for that company, Google has a good search engine, Gates agreed, Microsoft aims to create a better one, the giant company's founder told the press in Tel Aviv.

He added that Google's range of products is very narrow, and much remains to be developed regarding search itself.

At present it takes minutes for surfers to click on links and find the information they seek. The future is receiving the answer while typing, Gates envisioned.

Google went public and has done good work but the press' treatment of the company is disproportionate, the nearly-50 year old tycoon argued in his meeting with the press Tuesday night, at his hotel in Tel Aviv, the David Intercontinental.

It's a nice company but not that special as a rival, he said. For instance, the press whipped up a fuss when Google provided an instant messenger, which was a function other companies had been producing for ages.

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