Microsoft enters the European market with Google-style classified ads

Microsoft calls the technology AdCenter - and it is technically and visually reminiscent of Google's AdSense advertising model. Launched in the USA in May - AdCenter has been running in France and Singapore since September 2005 - it was recently launched in the UK. A major European rollout is planned, and AdCenter will also be available in Switzerland. However, the software giant is not yet willing to name a date. Previously, the classified ads on its websites were supplied by Yahoo, but with its own technology, Microsoft is now in a position to replace the ads with its own. With AdCenter, Microsoft is entering into direct competition with Google's AdSense and Yahoo's Ouverture Services.
AdCenter allows advertisers to place ads on Microsoft's online presences such as MSN and Windows Live. Unlike Google, it will be possible to select target groups for the placement of ads specifically according to age, gender and income. If several advertisers book the same space or search context for their ads, the one with the higher bid will be awarded the ad.