adCenter comming to an Xbox near you
“Microsoft envisions adCenter to one day be a one-stop shop for advertisers to gather information then buy ads on search results, Microsoft-related sites and services, non-Microsoft sites, mobile phone software or even online Xbox video games.
“We’re really starting to see Microsoft gear up. Of course, the company was asleep at the wheel for a long time,” said independent search engine analyst Chris Winfield.”
You can read the rest of the Reuters Report, “Microsoft takes on Yahoo, Google for Web ad dollars” at the Reuters Website.
This really drives home for me the fact that MSN has so many resources available to them and so much user data that they really could beat Google at their own game. The issue seems to be that for about 4 years they have been asleep at the switch so to speak, reselling Overture Ads and relying on their news/media presence and some what captive browser audience to deliver their ad revenue.
As can be predicted the teen to twenty something crowd is currently upset about the prospect of ads on their online Xbox gaming. However, I predict this won’t stop MSN from doing it, nor Xbox gamers from using it.
One way or another it seems MSN is set on invading not just your PC but you video games and your mobile phones etc.
What can we expect next?
Who knows but I am thinking we are going to see a leap into the multi media world of video and music by Microsoft. Look for them to come up with an awesome music product with out the hassle of many of the companies now “playing ball” with the record companies. They might even do it with a “third party company” (if you catch my drift), and as MP3, iPOD’s, etc become more advanced you can expect Microsoft to attempt to capture that market as well.
I think a lot of folks (especially Google and Yahoo) are underestimating MSN. They have tremendous demographic data at their disposal, huge cash reserves and they are willing to push the envelope on legality to the edge then back up just enough to get out of trouble. All of that ads up to the making of a new Giant in search, God knows the growth is going to be available to support more then three powerhouses.
Stay tuned for more,
~ Jack Spirko