Microsoft intros MSN Mobile ad service

Microsoft is introducing display ads across the U.S. using a new version of its MSN Mobile portal, naming Paramount Pictures, Bank of America and Jaguar as its charter advertisers. The software Goliath previously launched mobile ad initiatives in Japan and several European markets. Microsoft's move into the U.S. market follows it mid-2007 acquisitions of European mobile advertising firm ScreenTonic and digital advertising firm aQuantive--Phil Holden, a director in Microsoft's Online Services division, told the Wall Street Journal the company is not yet targeting ads based on mobile subscribers' location or web surfing behaviors, but may change its mind in the future. In addition to both small graphical ads and text ads, MSN Mobile--which connects consumers to Hotmail, instant messaging, search, news and related content--will debut services from MovieTickets.com and mobile content provider Thumbplay.

For more on MSN Mobile's ad initiative:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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