14 DAY TRIAL // The rivalry between the main actors of the search engine stage sets new ingenuity and efficiency records. Third party partnerships represented an advantage for Google, Yahoo and MSN. Bringing the open-source community close by, employing photo sharing solutions or associating with security programs were all strategies for attracting more users.
Still, until now, nobody has ever thought of associating with a refreshing beverage. MSN changes this rule too and partners with Sprite. The result is the service The Scenario (), which is presented as an exclusive experience suitable for enthusiasts of the online entertainment.
The Scenario represents an unique virtual space, where youths can get in touch with 10 of the most renowned DJ from USA and talk with each of them over MSN Messenger. In this way aspiring musicians are able to discover new musical experiences, to share opinions and to interact with Miles Thirst, Sprite's spokesman. Soon, a promoting campaign that unites MSN, MSN Messenger and MSN Music will be launched.
Scenario comes only a few days after Microsoft released the MSN AdCenter service, which competes against Yahoo's and Google's pay-per-click solutions.
This advertising method is one of the most preferred by managers because they pay for the space depending on how much it is accessed. Currently, MSN runs a solution for advertising messages owned by Yahoo! Overture; the contract between the two companies expires in July 2006.
MSN AdCenter will be tested first in France and Singapore and Microsoft didn't specify the date the testing will begin. Those who earn the most from this will surely be the managers and the advertising departments of different companies, which will have at their disposal a third promoting channel, besides Yahoo si Google. As for competition ... it remains to be seen!