Windows 7: Microsoft sells Windows 7 desktop to advertisers

Microsoft sells Windows 7 desktop to advertisers

Pilot program with Ferrari, Pepsi, Porsche and others helps squeeze every dollar out of OS, says analyst

By Gregg Keizer
November 13, 2009 12:25 PM ET

Computerworld - Microsoft today announced that it would sell Windows 7 desktop real estate to advertisers and launched a pilot program that includes Coke, Infiniti and Porsche.

Using Windows 7 themes -- collections of backgrounds, borders and audio elements -- advertisers will be able to brand the desktop, Microsoft said.

Microsoft pitched the pilot as a way for international advertisers to connect to consumers. "The new Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalization Gallery in Windows 7 allow consumers to customize their technology to reflect the things in life they are most passionate about," said Darren Huston, corporate vice president of the company's consumer and online group, in a statement Friday. "These are great examples of Microsoft innovation and technology coming together to enable top global brands to reach audiences in new and interesting ways."

The desktop space selling is a first for Microsoft, although in the past it has let companies customize the Internet Explorer (IE) browser.