Microsoft Versus Phone Numbers; Online Ads Double; Estate Trashed

Microsoft wants to return to a simpler time where we just asked for someone by name

* Microsoft wants to make phone numbers disappear. Details are a little sketchy, but Mary-Jo Foley, who writes a Microsoft blog for ZDNet, says Microsoft is developing technology that will allow telecom companies to combine phone numbers with someones instant-messenger contacts. Instead of having to dial a number to reach someone, phone owners could call someone using their instant-messenger contact lists even if they dont know that persons phone number. The bad news: You have to use Microsoft software for the system to work. The technology could be made available to telcos this summer, Foley reports.

* The amount U.S. businesses spend on Internet advertising will double over the next four years. Thats according to the research company IDC, which predicts that businesses will spend $51.1 billion in 2012, up from $25.5 billion in 2007. If the forecast proves true, Internet advertising will pass advertising in newspapers, network TV and cable TV, and be the second most popular advertising medium behind direct marketing. In a related note, the Business Technolgy Blog accepts advertising. You didnt really think wed sit the gold rush out, did you?

* The latest reminder to be careful what information you share online: An $8.6 million luxury home was trashed after the owners daughter posted a message on two social-networking Web sites that she was hosting the party of the year there. Close to 400 people showed up at the party, which the 16-year old host promised would feature lots of alcohol and and amazing DJ, the Times of London reports. Naturally, the guests trashed the place, breaking furniture and throwing a television in the swimming pool. The house had been for sale prior to the trashing.

-Ben Worthen