Microsoft launches adCenter in China

BEIJING, CHINA: Aiming to grab market share from rival Google, global software major Microsoft has launched adCenter, an advertising platform, in China.

This adCenter will target Chinese exporters wanting to advertise overseas, according to Anderson Liu, general manager of Microsoft's domestic joint venture MSN China.

Similar to Google's AdWords, Microsoft's AdCenter provides pay-per-click advertisements. The platform has been introduced in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Singapore, according to the company, said a report by People's Daily Online.

Liu said that Microsoft hoped revenue from the pay-per-click ads will account for half of MSN China's business in the future. Established in May 2005, MSN China is a 50-50 joint venture between Microsoft and domestic investment firm Shanghai Alliance Investment.

Microsoft has also said Google's exit from the mainland has provided a good opportunity for the company to expand its Bing search engine in China.