“Our commitment is to capture our share of both the $40 billion online ad opportunity and the larger $600 billion ad market, which includes TV and gaming, and is rapidly shifting to the world of online and IP-served platforms. To help us reach our goals, I’m pleased to announce that Microsoft will acquire aQuantive, Inc.
We are excited about the strategic value this acquisition brings to Microsoft in a few key areas:

“Platform. This deal enhances our current advertising platform with complementary technologies. For the first time, we’ll offer display advertising solutions for all ad agencies and publishers on any Web site on the Internet. With these new assets, we also increase our ability to build and support next generation advertising solutions and platforms such as cross media planning, video-on-demand, and IPTV.”

“Tools and Services. This deal is an extension of Microsoft’s commitment to provide a set of tools and services that will enable the advertising industry to generate the highest possible return on their ad investments.”

“...Today’s announcements clearly demonstrate Microsoft’s long-term commitment to digital advertising. The combination of Microsoft and aQuantive’s reach, audience intelligence tools, and expertise across publisher and agency tools will help us grow our reach and share in the online ad space.”

“…This acquisition is a bold strategic step for our online services business, and we should all be excited by the possibilities that lie ahead with aQuantive and Microsoft working together. Our opportunity is to provide the best experiences for users, advertisers, and publishers, delivered via great software + services, a world-class ad platform, and the industry’s leading sales and support organization.”
Sembrerebbe quindi che anche zio Bill sia interessato alle WebTv, IPTV e VOD.
L’unica cosa che mi preoccupa è la filosofia non certo open che Microsoft ha sempre applicato ai suoi prodotti che ovviamente si scontra contro quella for free che per adesso vige in progetti come Joost, Babelgum o WebTv, IPTV sparse per il web.