Earlier today, Facebook and Microsoft announced a definitive agreement in which Facebook has agreed to acquire the Atlas Advertiser suite. This agreement will strengthen our existing partnership and also includes a long-term strategic commercial relationship. Having been deeply involved in this deal since day one, I can say with confidence that we are quite pleased with this outcome and are excited to continue building a deeper partnership between our two companies.

This agreement is strategically important for a number of reasons.

First, Facebook is committed to ensuring the success of Atlas partners, customers and team members.

Second, as a result of the commercial relationship, we will be building on an already strong partnership with Facebook for the benefit of both companies and their respective long-term visions.

Third and perhaps most important, this deal allows us to dedicate even more energy and resources to those areas of our business that are core to the future direction of Microsoft Advertising.  Namely, creating compelling, beautiful and relevant experiences on our first-party owned & operated assets like Windows 8 (Ads in Apps), Skype, Xbox/Kinect, Windows Phone, Bing and MSN; and delivering amazing user-centric advertising experiences to consumers and marketers alike.

This agreement with Facebook represents a great opportunity for both parties.

For Microsoft, it represents a great opportunity to build on our strengths and to enhance our partnerships as we help develop the advertising ecosystem.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners and customers in the advertising ecosystem as we build on the promise of an exciting future.

Thank you.
Dave