A new collaboration between Ask.com and Microsoft will see the search engine offer its services to users of Microsoft Office Live keyword advertising access in the small business community. Ask Sponsored Listings from Ask.com will be provided along with Microsoft Office Live keyword advertising access to small firms, Michael Schultz, US business and marketing head for Microsoft Office Live, has stated.
Forming part of the Office Live adManager beta search advertising service, the scheme is designed specifically to aid small firms and Mr Shultz explained that this is "one of the first times" that this has occurred - where search engines pool resources in order to meet the business world's needs.
Mr Shultz remarked: "What's significant about Ask.com getting together with Microsoft Office Live, is we're actually making it simple and easy for small business to understand and take advantage of search marketing."
"To be able to do things like contextual targeting opens up another avenue to allow small businesses to get their message out," he added.
Using an adManager interface, small business bosses will be able to manage keyword advertising accounts directly, while the option is available to buy adverts on Live Search, MSN or Ask Sponsored Listings.
Baris Cetinok, director of product management and marketing for Microsoft Office Live, told CNN: "We are very excited about the integration of Ask Sponsored Listings, as this provides more options for our small businesses to market their companies and attract new customers."
