Microsoft unifies advertising services

Microsoft has combined its broad set of global advertising products and services into a unified offering for advertisers called Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions. In South Africa, advertisers reach online audiences by means of the MSN network and Windows Live.

"As today's consumers spend more time online across various digital devices, advertisers are finding they can no longer reach their entire target audience by advertising in a single medium," says Ebru Capa, MSN MEA regional manager.

"Microsoft is uniquely positioned because of our global audience and high level of consumer engagementWe are connected to online communities; we facilitate dialogue and exchanges of views. We offer the tools with which consumers form and exchange opinions online. We are addressing the reality of media fragmentation."

Chris Dobson, the recently appointed VP global sales for Microsoft's Online Services Group, is responsible for all global advertising sales across Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions network, incorporating MSN, Live.com, Office Online, Office Live, Microsoft.com, Xbox, Microsoft TV, Massive and mobile content.

For the first time this role is based outside the US, stressing the importance of the global network of markets that Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions reaches. In this new role, Dobson is focused on providing advertisers worldwide with industry-leading ad solutions. Before this, Dobson held the position of general manager, Digital Marketing Sales and Trade Marketing for the international arm of MSN.