Two great studies were recently completed examining the effectiveness the IAB Rising Stars premium ad formats - one from Microsoft Advertising UK and one from the IAB and IPG Media Labs. The research was done in an effort to move the industry away from the standard ad formats that were adopted in 2002 to the more effective Rising Star formats. The goal: Show how the Rising Stars formats delivers ROI and provides better experiences for brands, publishers and audiences. So,

This time of the year rocks at Microsoft Advertising. From Skype inventory expanding to Asia to our new People Powered Stories social advertising solutions , there is so much exciting stuff going on across the business. On top of everything, I get to travel around the region with Rich Media Rocks , our annual roadshow dedicated to harnessing the power of rich media to tell innovative and powerful digital stories. We will host events in Taiwan,

It might be cold outside, but it's sizzling in here! Let me share our best digital storytelling from the last few months. Cindy Lee, Go-To-Market Lead,

We've got great new advertising opportunities for advertisers such as Commercial Email Targeting in Hotmail and viral opportunities through Personal Expressions in Windows Live Messenger.  Watch this video to see how Windows Live can make an impact in your next campaign: http://advertising.microsoft.

On May 27 th , Jason Scott, GM of Microsoft Advertising Asia, welcomed an auditorium of customers to a regional event held to engage agency professionals & marketers on one of the hottest topics in the marketplace.  The event's content included a look at the Audience Targeting landscape, the challenges, the solutions, future vision for Asia, and best practices. Watch highlights from the event.

I know it's getting harder and harder to get my attention online.  IM'ing, using webmail, surfing the net, and working concurrently are daily habits.  This type of media and activity juggling is certainly ubiquitous these days. In the cacophony of today, reaching your desired audience is more challenging than ever.  One way to increase the likelihood of breaking through the noise is to ensure targeting is incorporated into your buy.