Date:22/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/22/stories/2007062201361100.htm

Back Microsoft ad platform targets social network sites

Our Bureau

New Delhi June 21 Leveraging the boom in online social networking in Asia, Microsoft has introduced a `Sponsored Spaces' initiative across the region, including India.

Sponsored Spaces is a new ad platform that allows advertisers to tap the social networking scene and communicate directly with consumers. This follows consultation by Microsoft with marketers and advertisers to create a solution that converges with social networking elements, a release said here.

The release further said that Sony Ericsson has signed up for the second Windows Live Spaces with Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions.

For bloggers

"With blogging in India emerging as vibrant as the rest of Asia and more Indians using the Internet, advertisers will need to build successful campaigns around their brands in the Indian blogosphere. Different segments of consumers interact with each other through specific interest communities online. Social networking therefore enables advertisers to interact with not just the consumer but members of his community as well," said Mr Rajnish, Head of Digital Marketing Revenue and Strategic Business, MSN and Windows Live India.

Sponsored Spaces is integrated with Windows Live Messenger, the statement said. Advertisers can use Windows Live Spaces features such as Photo Albums, Gadgets, Video Players and Update Alerts to bring customisation to their site while matching it with campaign themes.