Microsoft May Sell Bonds: MediaBytes with Shelly Palmer November 21, 2008

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Microsoft is may issue bonds for the first time. Considering Microsoft has a top credit ranking from both the S&P and Moody’s, if Redmond were to issue bonds they would be in high demand. If Microsoft issues bonds, the company would generate a good deal of cash, which begs to ask the question, what will they use it on?

Verizon will release RIM’s BlackBerry Storm today. The first BlackBerry with a touchscreen is expected to provide heathy competition to the iPhone during the Holiday season. The Storm, which retails for the same price as the iPhone (after subsidy), will receive a heavy promotional push from Verizon beginning today, a campaign that sources say could cost as much as $100 million.

Sony has eliminated price competition among retailers. The move, which applies to both high-end televisions and cameras, is an attempt to curb consumer purchasing stress over whether or not they are getting a good deal. Sony’s goal is to eliminate the idea that customers need to shop around for the best deal, by making retailers sell their products for the same amount.

Salesforce.com’s profit increased 55% during the third quarter, with  revenue up 43%. Salesforce’s increase in revenue helped beat out analysts predictions, and has some analysts wondering if online business software is more recession resistant than traditional software. Salesforce.com’s stock was up on the good news.

Plus, today’s consulting question, “Sirius-XM is trading at 14 cents. Is it over?” Shelly has the answer on today’s MediaBytes.