Microsoft invests in video ad service

by Media Week, Media Week 20-Feb-07

Microsoft is introducing a form of video advertising that allows users to click on an object in a playing video and follow a link to the product site.

The software giant is about to begin a test campaign in the US with a
major US retailer, and is hoping to roll out the system after this
trial.

Advertisers and agencies can trial the new system on Microsoft's Adlab

website, adlab.microsoft.com, which Microsoft launched last year to

showcase its latest advertising tools.

The example of the new tool on Adlab shows a video of a skier. By
placing the cursor over the skier as he moves, and clicking, the user is
taken to a site where the skisuit can be bought. A green arrow in the
corner of the video indicates there is something to click on.

James Colborn, product manager for Microsoft, said: "We are testing this
across Microsoft properties, in places such as MSN Video."

Microsoft's ad network includes Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Spaces,
Windows Live for Mobile, Office Live and Xbox Live.