Redmond, Wash., July 7, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that The Microsoft Network of online services now supports advanced streaming media ads using Microsoft® Windows® Media Technologies, including the newly released Windows Media Player and Windows NT Server with NetShow
™
Services. This recently enhanced technology is fully integrated within The Microsoft Network ad system, allowing for better performance measurement for advertisers and more personalized ads for consumers.
“The Microsoft Network is the first major network of online services to offer these enhanced technologies,” said Peter Neupert, vice president of news and publishing for Microsoft. “We constantly look for ways we can use our expertise in developing cutting-edge technology to deliver the most compelling customer experience and advance the marketing goals of our advertisers.”
Streaming video ads using Windows Media Technology are scheduled to be fully integrated with streaming video content across The Microsoft Network. In addition to allowing better performance measurement for advertisers, the technologies, such as the Windows Media Player and NetShow Streaming Media Services, will be used to deliver more personalized ads for consumers. For example, visitors to the MSNBC sports site will see streaming video ads that would interest sports fans.
Examples of how these new technologies are being used are available for viewing today. An online demonstration of Windows Media Technologies is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ Streaming video ads using this technology are scheduled to run across The Microsoft Network later this year, with the first ads appearing through MSNBC video clips
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
