News
Microsoft is google-eyed about advertising
By ADT Staff
Microsoft has begun testing display advertisements across Microsoft Office
Live, Windows Live Mail and MSN Spaces.
"Advertising is a very important business model for Microsoft worldwide
because an increasing number of advertisers are becoming more global,"
says Joanne Bradford, corporate vice president for Global Sales and Marketing
at Microsoft. "With ad-supported software opportunities, we're able to
offer great services at low or no cost for our consumers and a vast ecosystem
for advertisers."
Coca-Cola Brazil, JCPenney and Monster Worldwide are among the 20 global marketers
participating in the initial ad tests. The results of the multiple ad formats
being tested will help determine which ad offerings provide the best return
on investment for marketers while adding value to the consumer experience.
"Taking part in the Windows Live Mail beta program is something that perfectly
matches Coca-Cola's day-by-day attitude," says Monica Horcades, marketing
director for Coca-Cola Brazil. "We understand that one of the most important
roles of a global brand like us is to believe, support and stimulate innovation
in communication of all kinds, especially on the Web. Coca-Cola has always been
a pioneer on talking to young people wherever and whenever they are. It's in
our brand's DNA. And we believe that Windows Live Mail is going to be a great
way to do that."
Windows Live display ads are currently being tested in MSN Spaces in Australia
and Italy, and Windows Live Mail display ads are being tested in various markets
across the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany,
Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Office Live display
ads are initially being tested in the U.S. and immediately sold out of their
available openings for beta advertisers. Tests will continue on these and other
Microsoft sites and services throughout 2006 while additional research is underway
with approximately 100 advertisers in nine markets to verify advertisers' needs
and best practice advertising solutions for Windows Live.
Microsoft says it will continue to invest heavily in MSN.com, as well as continue
to explore new advertising opportunities on Live.com, OfficeLive.com, Microsoft.com,
the Xbox Live service, Internet Protocol television, mobile devices and other
Microsoft properties.