microsoft posts

As of today, the display alliance between AOL, Microsoft and Yahoo! that was announced last November is operational. We are now offering each other's non-reserved display inventory to respective customers through each of our ad networks: AOL's Advertising.com, Microsoft Media Network and Yahoo! Network Plus.

The partnership will fundamentally change the way we buy and sell premium online display inventory and benefits advertisers, agencies and publishers. It was formed to help streamline the media-buying process by providing more efficient access to premium online ad inventory. The partnership is expected to extend the reach of the companies' advertisers while offering better yields for their publishing partners.

Today's news sets in motion the opportunity for advertisers and agencies to achieve scaled solutions across premium publishers, ultimately giving them access to high quality inventory and reducing friction in the marketplace. In addition to the United States, Yahoo and AOL have an agreement that extends to Canada. Microsoft's Canada business is not participating directly in the agreement.

Today we formally announced a display advertising partnership agreement with Yahoo! and Microsoft. The partnership will fundamentally change the way we buy and sell premium online display inventory and benefits advertisers, agencies and publishers. We are redefining the space by taking our existing Advertising.com relationships with both Microsoft and Yahoo! to a new level with an agreement that will allow our ad networks to offer each other's premium non-reserved online display inventory to their respective advertising customers.

Effective in the United States, this news sets in motion the opportunity for advertisers and agencies to achieve scaled solutions across premium publishers, ultimately giving them access to high quality inventory and reducing friction in the marketplace. We believe the partnership will speak to the future of premium online display, enhance the demand for and value of each partner's display advertising offerings, and provide better yield for both participating publishers and advertisers. In addition to the United States, Yahoo and AOL will have an agreement that extends to Canada. Microsoft's Canada business is not participating directly in the agreement.

For more information see the full release here.

Just in time for award season- AOL Canada has yet another reason to celebrate! We've been included on the shortlist for the Media Player of the Year 2011 by Marketing Magazine! The shortlist includes a full-page spread in the Nov. 14 Print edition (out now!) focusing on how we've spent 2011 investing in original content and products for consumers and advertisers alike!

Director of Marketing, Laura Pearce, was interviewed (and photographed!) for the submission highlighting AOLC's commitment to "get in front of media agencies and explain value proposition." Additionally, one of AOL's prestigious clients, director of digital solutions, Media Experts: Karel Wegert, toted AOL with: "Their focus is on the delivery of quality content that is relevant to a Canadian audience."

AOL Canada shares the Media Player of the Year 2011 Shortlist with the following contenders: Torstar Corp., Vice Media, Broadband TV, Microsoft, CBC/Radio-Canada, Rogers Media, Facebook, Shaw Media and Bell Media.

Award will be announced in the January 2012 edition- fingers crossed!