Microsoft will offer
ad-funded cash rebates to customers who find and purchase
products through a new programme called
Microsoft Live Search
cashback.
Key partners including eBay, Barnes & Noble.com,
Overstock.com, Sears, Zappos.com and WPP have announced their
participation in the scheme.
The initiative is designed to help Microsoft gain ground on
Google and Yahoo when it comes to generating search-based
advertising revenues - they are well ahead of Redmond in the
market.
The complete Live Search cashback product portfolio includes
more than 10 million product offers from more than 700 merchants,
including more than 13 of the top 40 US retailers, said
Microsoft.
The company has also announced it has delivered a new Live
Search travel destination platform, Live Search Farecast, making it
easier for searchers to find the best travel deals on the web.
"We believe search can offer much more value to consumers and
advertisers than it does today, and we see Live Search cashback as
an important opportunity to deliver additional value," said
Microsoft chairman, Bill Gates.
"Our goal is to make Live Search the most rewarding commercial
search destination on the web. Live Search cashback will help
advertisers drive more online sales while giving consumers a new
way to stretch their dollars."