Microsoft World-Class Video Ad Serving Solution Makes Debut

Microsoft's world-class video ad serving solution has made its debut for the Associated Press Online Video Network. The Redmond company informed that it has bridged its MSN Video player and the Atlas AdManager, integrated into the Publisher Solutions Group designed to integrate aQuantive's solutions into Microsoft's existing advertising portfolio, after the $6 billion acquisition finalized in August. The new deal with the Associated Press Online Video Network marks the first time MSN and Atlas produce a joined solution in order to deliver advertising content.

"Video advertising is growing in popularity, and the ability to attach local ads to local content is something that customers like the AP are seeing as a tremendous competitive advantage for their business," said Karl Siebrecht, president of Atlas. "This solution for AP is a great example of several Microsoft(R) teams coming together to deliver real value for a customer, and we are thrilled to have created this solution for one of the most dynamic news agencies on the planet."

"The competition for eyeballs online in the news business is very tough, and our affiliates are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to more actively engage their users," said Jessica Hawk, director of Online Video for AP. "The ability to attach local ads to local content via this new solution from Microsoft is a big step forward in our capabilities to deliver the type of experience that we believe will drive deeper engagement, increased value and ultimately loyalty for end users, while
also driving additional ad revenue for our affiliate sites."

Microsoft revealed that Associated Press' online video materials would be served via a version of the MSN Video player featuring a "white-labeled" design. The deal is certainly a milestone for Microsoft, as Associated Press' content has an audience reach of no less than 61 million unique visitors. The hybrid ad serving platform is certainly a first for the Redmond company, and Microsoft informed that it will deal with national video ad inventory alone, leaving Online Video Network affiliates to manage local results.