Microsoft adds Ask.com search tools for marketers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday its Office Live will use search advertising tools from Ask.com to help small businesses reach consumers on the Internet.

Microsoft Office Live is Internet-based software that allows small businesses to create Web sites, e-mail accounts and other applications.

It will add Ask Sponsored Listings to its search advertising service, allowing marketers to buy search terms and manage Web campaigns on Ask.com's site and its network of Internet publishers.

The tools are especially geared for small businesses who target ads to specific regions or cities. Microsoft's adManager service already includes access to its MSN network of sites and Live Search to distribute ads.

The Ask Sponsored Listings network is the third-largest in the United States and reached more than 59 million monthly visitors, the company said. Ask is part of IAC/InterActiveCorp.