Some would argue that coming after Google’s online advertising crown might be an exercise in futility. Yet that’s what Microsoft’s gunning for, according to mild-mannered Steve Ballmer.

And don’t think that Microsoft is trying to simply slice itself the tiniest sliver of the pie like your typical type-A friend that eats vicariously through everyone else, no sir. Microsoft wants to be the Doug Heffernan of online advertising.

“We are hell-bent and determined to allocate the talent, the resources, the money, the innovation to absolutely become a powerhouse in the ad business,” says Ballmer.

I’ve learned that when Steve Ballmer starts getting riled up about something, it’s usually because Microsoft’s getting pantsed by a more agile, innovative competitor. With Google way out in front with a 57.4% share of web searches, Yahoo! a distant second at 22.9%, and Microsoft pulling up the rear with a measly 8.8%, the boys and girls in Redmond are going to have an uphill battle, hell-bent or not.

Ballmer: We are ‘hell-bent’ on succeeding in ads [CNet News.com]