Do you guys think microsoft is taking their MSN adCenter seriously? Other than a recent deal with a big social site to display on adCenter ads, I have not noticed them take any giant leap? Does Microsoft feel satisfied with the way adCenter is doing?
Word from my rep is they plan on taking on Yahoo in the near future for a bigger share of the market. They know they won't catch Google, so why not go after number 2, right? Lofty goal, but I do't see why they can't if they put the effort in.
They are trying to get a higher number of advertisers to sign up with them, that's why the $75 credit available till June. after the promo credit expires [90 days after you sign up] I think they will open to publishers. The reason is that right now they're displaying the ads only in their sites [MSN, live], this way they can give the advertising credit for free since they're not paying any publisher CPC. after they create the advertiser base, they will expand the network to publishers as well. My educated guess says it will happen around September 2008.
Every company is serious about their products.... It may take some time to reach their goal.. and they will continue to find good deals............