Microsoft launches MSN Mobile Display Advertising in UK

London, UK. — 7 January, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of mobile display advertising on the MSN Mobile portal (http://mobile.uk.msn.com). From today, MSN Mobile users in the UK will see banner and text ad placements across the mobile portal. All the ads seen will conform to mobile advertising guidelines provided by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA). NIVEA VISAGE^®, Yell.com and SanDisk are among the first companies to launch a MSN Mobile campaign in the UK.

 

“The launch of display advertising on MSN Mobile further demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to connecting advertisers with their target audiences at home, at work and on the go across multiple platforms, devices and geographies. With technology created by Microsoft’s Advertising and Publisher Solutions Group and by the acquisition of ScreenTonic last year, today’s launch reinforces our position in the market both in the UK, and following December’s US launch, as a leader in mobile advertising, providing brands with much demanded premium inventory through which to engage consumers,” said Chris Ward, Commercial Director, UK, Microsoft Advertising.

 

Susann Wolschendorf, Assistant Brand Manager at Beiersdorf, NIVEA VISAGE, added: “We are delighted to be one of the launch advertisers for the new MSN Mobile display ad offering. The entrance of Microsoft into the UK mobile ad market fills a gap where, until today’s launch, there has been great demand for new premium ad inventory to be made available. The fact that all the MSN Mobile ad formats available conform to the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) industry standards for advertising gives strong indication of Microsoft’s desire to not only grow MSN Mobile as an ad platform but to grow the mobile advertising industry as a whole.”

 

Poppy Wilson, Account Manager, Carat Digital, who conceived and negotiated the campaign for NIVEA VISAGE, said: “We were keen to invest in a high-impact and creative ad campaign that would really get mobile users excited and engaged with the NIVEA VISAGE brand as an experience not just a product, and Microsoft has delivered just that. We’re excited to be leading the way in creating a truly digital experience for the mobile consumer”.

 

Today’s announcement builds on Microsoft mobile advertising offerings already available in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain and the US. 

People interested in trying out MSN Mobile can text ‘MSN’ to 63463 or go to http://mobile.uk.msn.com on their mobile phone Web browser or visit http://mobile.uk.msn.com on their PC for more information. For advertisers wanting more information on how to advertise on MSN Mobile, go to: http://advertising.microsoft.com/europe.

 

# Ends #

 

MSN^® attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com.

            ScreenTonic is the European pioneer in mobile advertising, selling and running the largest mobile advertising network available today. ScreenTonic offers an all-round solution spanning from ad serving technology to ad management and mobile media sales. ScreenTonic is the mobile media partner for major European mobile operators as well as the media sales partner for off-portal wap sites.

            ScreenTonic’s value proposition allows mobile portals to monetise their traffic in a new way, and gives advertisers the means to communicate on mobile phones in a personalised and effective manner.

            ScreenTonic’s first mover experience, its unique positioning and extensive expertise are reinforced by its strong relationships with major mobile portals.

            ScreenTonic is a subsidiary of Microsoft. For more information, please visit: www.screentonic.com

 

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

 

 

* Mobile providers may charge a fee for placing calls.

 

Microsoft, Virtual Earth, Windows Mobile and Windows Live are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

All others are trademarks of their respective owners.

Rhiannon Prince

T: +44 (0)20 7025 6585 / mdasemeateam@redconsultancy.com

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft^® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.