Microsoft lands first mobile ad deal: Computer giant goes up against range of mobile marketing players

Microsoft Corp. announced its first ad-syndication deal in the United States, touting a pact to deliver display ads on CNBC’s mobile Web site.
The deal, which stems from last December’s online-advertising collaboration between the two companies, will see Microsoft serve as the exclusive third-party provider of ads to CNBC’s mobile audience of 1.1 million unique monthly visitors. Ford Motor Co. has signed on as an advertiser, the companies said, and campaigns will conform to Mobile Marketing Association guidelines.
“CNBC brings premium financial ad inventory that enhances our existing offering,” said Brian Arbogast, VP of mobile services at Microsoft, “allowing us to attract and grow mobile advertising opportunities for our advertisers.”
Microsoft is hoping to gain a foothold in the fast-moving space of mobile Web advertising, where competitors such as AdMob, AOL’s Platform-A, Millenial Media and Nokia are active. The announcement follows Microsoft’s move to serve display ads across its mobile e-mail and instant-messaging services in the United States and some Western European markets.
Microsoft’s wireless advertising is available in 11 markets including Australia, France, Japan, Sweden and the United States.