Microsoft Strikes Ad Deal With Facebook Social Network by Gavin O'Malley

copyright Adage.com
Published: August 23, 2006

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Following the lead of Google's search-advertising deal with MySpace, Microsoft has aligned itself with Facebook as the social network's exclusive provider of banner advertising and sponsored links. The deal gives a huge boost to Microsoft's AdCenter online ad platform, which has struggled to secure major distribution deals since its launch last year.

"We chose Microsoft because it, like Facebook, is a technology company at its core and is committed to taking a fresh approach to targeting advertising to social media," Owen Van Natta, Facebook's chief operating officer, said in a prepared statement.

FULL ARTICLE: http://adage.com/article?article_id=111464

Gavin O'Malley: gomalley@crain.com