We've talked about Google competing with a number of companies in several areas.

This article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/01/technology/01google.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

focuses on Microsoft's new browser, Windows Vista, and the way this browser directs people to MSN's search tool. Google asserts that it positions Microsoft to unfairly divert web traffic (and advertising dollars) from other competitors.

Two things in this article were of interest to me:

1. Google is increasing their lobbying efforts. They are no longer a "thorn-in-the-flesh," of the larger companies, but a significant contender in their own right.

2. It talks about the alliances built in this competitive marketplace (e.g., Google and Firefox) and the dynamic between software and hardware companies; particularly, the choice of software to load on their computers.