Microsoft has become somewhat of an obsession for Google. I’ve been covering the back-and-forth dispute between the two companies regarding desktop search in Windows Vista. Just in case you’re out of the loop, here’s the quick rundown:

• Google filed a complaint with the DOJ over what it says is the anti-competitive bundling of desktop search in Windows Vista
• Microsoft worked with the DOJ to come up with a compromise solution to Google’s complaint.
• Google said Microsoft’s solution wasn’t enough, even though the DOJ was satisfied.
• Google by-passed the DOJ and went straight to the judge handling the case.
• The judge snapped Google back and told the company that, since they were not a part of the case, they’d have to work through the DOJ.

Now, according to SeattlePI.com, Google is filing more documents with the court in an attempt to become part of the case:

Google’s latest filing, submitted yesterday, outlines the reasons the company still believes it should be allowed to participate in the case as amicus curiae, or friend of the court. The company notes in the filing that it offers an “important and useful perspective” in the Microsoft case.

I can totally understand Google’s position. I know good and well that Windows Vista’s desktop search is a major threat to Google’s desktop search. I understand that every Windows Vista desktop search that’s sent to the Internet is a search that Google isn’t getting.

But this whole thing is just leaving a very unsavory taste in my mouth. Google comes off like a whining, fit-throwing child who isn’t happy about being told “no”. Give it up, Google. No matter how many briefs they file - and regardless of whether they get their way and force Microsoft to change Vista - it won’t help.

I’d be curious to know how many Vista desktop searches actually end up going to the web. I know I haven’t gone from desktop to Internet search once using Vista. Not once. But I do know this:

When Microsoft starts going in and fiddling with Vista to make Google happy, it’s probably going to end up making my experience worse… not better. Why? Because they’ll almost inevitable have to break something or cripple something to get it do what Google wants. They’ll have to add even more options, buttons, configuration, preference panels… whatever.

And that’s not good for customers.

Customers don’t care what search is behind those boxes on Vista. THEY DON’T CARE! The ones who do are smart enough to download and installed Google Desktop anyway. Google is concerned about it’s bottom line and that’s it. I’m not saying I’m surprised - quite the contrary. I’m just not buying Google’s “this is for the customer” story.

You lost this one, Google. Just get over it and move on to something else that will actually help your customers.