In a true Software plus Services move, Microsoft has made available the adCenter Desktop client to complement the adCenter service. The Redmond company is currently serving the desktop client exclusively to U.S. and Canadian advertisers that manage less than 100,000 keywords combined in all adCenter accounts, and only in Beta stage. According to the software giant, the Microsoft adCenter Desktop Beta will be spread via existing accounts with them receiving invitations to download the bits through What's New banners.

“If you’re unfamiliar with adCenter Desktop, it’s an offline tool that enables seamless integration with adCenter online; you download your campaigns to work on them and then upload new changes or additions to your adCenter account at your convenience. Whether you want to perform bulk edits, monitor performance data or research keywords, this free, easy-to-use new tool may be just what you're looking for,” Tina Kelleher, media specialist with Microsoft, explained.

The Redmond company is loyal not only to the S+S strategy, but also to a new vision for the evolution of the Windows graphical user interface. In this regard, not only is the company pushing the Ribbon UI with Windows 7, but also adopting the new visual style and interaction model with additional software products including the adCenter Desktop Beta. “Building on the convenient and intuitive 'Ribbon' user interface of Microsoft Office, the adCenter Desktop lets you perform different functions through a set of tabs that group similar functions together,” Kelleher stated.

The adCenter Desktop Beta will come to the table with a total of three tabs, one for Home basic tasks, such as “importing, exporting, downloading, uploading and previewing changes,” Kelleher added. The Manage tab will permit advertisers to manage all their accounts, while the Research portion is destined to keyword research.

“If you’re in the UK or France, we’re in the final stages of wrapping up the details for your markets’ beta release; there will be an announcement like this one within the next few weeks, so stay tuned for updates as they become available,” Kelleher pointed out. “For advertisers with keyword totals that exceed the 100,000 limit, please be advised that we are actively working to accommodate your needs and look forward to your participation in the not-too-distant future (we’re hoping for summer 2009).”