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Microsoft says Yahoo!

Reports that Microsoft may be eyeing a stake in Yahoo surfaced for a second time as rumours continue to circulate that several groups are preparing to bid for a minority stake to help return Yahoo to its halcyon days. According to CNET , Microsoft is just one of several high-profile investors teaming up in a venture led by equity firm Silver Lake to bid for a stake in the company. Though reports remain officially unconfirmed, sources close to deal are reporting that Yahoo’s financial advisors set a deadline for bids early this week, and the board of directors is expected to discuss potential deals immediately. Since the departure of Bartz in September, reports Yahoo was “open to selling itself to the right bidder” have circulated, with industry experts speculating a number of different options going forward – including sale and restructuring. “The question is whether Yahoo can be a growth company again,” said a source close to the situation . “And that is still unclear.” One of the most significant changes in the rumoured deal would see investor and Netscape co-founder Andreessen Horowitz – who already serves on the board of directors at Hewlett Packard – installed as chief executive.

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Microsoft says Yahoo!

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Gaming and social media on agenda for ‘Next Gen’

Tech-savvy learners may soon have the opportunity to get hands-on with computer science and development at an earlier age. Creative industries minister Ed Vaizey has called for reform in school curriculum relating to IT and computer sciences lessons, following recommendations in a report conducted earlier this year. The minister believes changes to the school curriculum incorporating a wider range of technologies, including video games and social media, could help keep the UK “at the forefront” of that business sector. Vaizey’s comments were set out in the ‘Next Gen’ report – an independent study commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports in July 2010 and published earlier this year. The report contains 20 detailed recommendations for the government, industry and schools to consider. “The economic and cultural value of the UK’s video games and VFX sectors is clear and the long-term potential of their global markets present a great opportunity for UK-based businesses,” Vaizey said . “It is an industry that has real potential to create the high quality jobs of the future that will be so important as we recover from the recession

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Gaming and social media on agenda for ‘Next Gen’