Microsoft has announced the availability of mobile display advertising across the Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger platforms, the expanded market availability of Windows Live, and upcoming plans for its Live Search for Mobile offering.
Windows Live Mobile users in France, the UK, Spain and the US will see banner ad placements across the two services. All ads placed on Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Hotmail will adhere to Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) guidelines. Paramount is one of the first advertisers in the UK to take advantage of these new ad opportunities.
Todays launch of display advertising on Windows Live Mobile is an important milestone for our mobile business and demonstrates the progress we have made since the launch of ad opportunities on MSN Mobile earlier this year, says Chris Ward, Commercial Director of Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions. With over 220.5 million mobile subscribers in Europe alone, mobile advertising is a small but rapidly growing market and we feel there is huge potential for advertisers to reach out and engage with consumers in this space. With todays launch, we can offer advertisers a further opportunity to connect with their target audiences throughout their digital day – at home, at work and on the go across multiple platforms, devices and geographies.
Steve Hunt, Head of Media at Paramount Pictures, says the company is delighted to be the first brand to advertise on Windows Live Mobile.
Paramount is always looking for new and innovative ways to reach our consumers, says Hunt. Were excited to be leading the way in creating a truly digital experience for the mobile consumer.
In addition to the launch of mobile display advertising on Windows Live, Microsoft has also announced plans to expand its mobile advertising offerings to include Live Search. The companys mobile search advertising offering is currently in an invitation-only beta for the United States, and will be made more widely available in beta form in the future.   
Advertisers wanting more information on how to advertise on MSN or Windows Live Mobile should click here.