Bell, Microsoft launch separate consumer websites
By Adnews Staff
Bell and Microsoft have reached a three-year agreement to operate Sympatico.ca and MSN.ca as separate websites. The two companies will continue to exchange traffic between their sites, and Sympatico.ca will continue to make use of Microsoft's Bing search engine, Hotmail email and Messenger instant message services. The web address <http://sympatico.msn.ca> will be redirected to Sympatico.ca. In addition, Bell has introduced four new content channels for the site: Autos, InMovies.ca, YourMoney.ca and Best Health. "Our primary focus, as always, is on the client experience, as evidenced by the ongoing growth in online content and services offered by Sympatico.ca," said Gary Anderson, vice-president responsible for Sympatico.ca. "Our new agreement provides us greater editorial and advertising flexibility, thus enhancing our offerings to both advertisers and users. All Sympatico.ca employees remain in place and will continue to deliver industry-leading strategy, sales, content and advertising support."
The new MSN.ca website will offer news and information content drawn from providers including MSNBC, BBC, Delish, CBC, Chatelaine and others. Microsoft has also launched an mobile version of the site at <http://www.msnmobile.ca>. "Microsoft's goal for MSN.ca is to give Canadians the best online and mobile destination in the world," said Owen Sagness, consumer and online vice-president and general manager. "For advertisers, MSN.ca reflects Microsoft's continued investment in the Canadian online marketplace. Microsoft Advertising is here to form trusted long-term relationships with the Canadian advertising and marketing community, to invest time with clients and agencies to create compelling digital solutions, and to help grow the digital opportunity in Canada beyond what currently exists today." Microsoft Advertising is the division of the company that handle ad sales for various Microsoft online properties.