Microsoft has announced the availability of mobile display advertising on the MSN Mobile portal (http://mobile.uk.msn.com). From today, MSN Mobile users in the UK will see banner and text ad placements across the mobile portal. All the ads seen will conform to mobile advertising guidelines provided by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA). NIVEA VISAGE, Yell.com and SanDisk are among the first companies to launch a MSN Mobile campaign in the UK.
The launch of display advertising on MSN Mobile further demonstrates Microsofts commitment to connecting advertisers with their target audiences at home, at work and on the go across multiple platforms, devices and geographies,” says Chris Ward, Commercial Director, UK, Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions. With technology created by Microsofts Advertising and Publisher Solutions Group and by the acquisition of ScreenTonic last year, todays launch reinforces our position in the market both in the UK, and following Decembers US launch, as a leader in mobile advertising, providing brands with much demanded premium inventory through which to engage consumers. 
Susann Wolschendorf, Assistant Brand Manager at Beiersdorf, NIVEA VISAGE, says the brand is delighted to be one of the launch advertisers for the new MSN Mobile display ad offering. She says:
The entrance of Microsoft into the UK mobile ad market fills a gap where, until todays launch, there has been great demand for new premium ad inventory to be made available. The fact that all the MSN Mobile ad formats available conform to the MMA industry standards for advertising gives strong indication of Microsofts desire to not only grow MSN Mobile as an ad platform but to grow the mobile advertising industry as a whole.
Poppy Wilson, Account Manager, Carat Digital, who conceived and negotiated the campaign for NIVEA VISAGE, adds:
We were keen to invest in a high-impact and creative ad campaign that would really get mobile users excited and engaged with the NIVEA VISAGE brand as an experience, not just a product, and Microsoft has delivered just that. Were excited to be leading the way in creating a truly digital experience for the mobile consumer.
Todays announcement builds on Microsoft mobile advertising offerings already available in Belgium, France, Japan, Spain and the US.
Anyone interested in trying out MSN Mobile can text MSN to 63463 or go to http://mobile.uk.msn.com on their mobiles web browser or visit http://mobile.uk.msn.com on their PC for more information. Advertisers wanting more information on how to advertise on MSN Mobile, should click here.