Software maker Microsoft Corp. on Monday said it would start selling paid search listings, which allow advertisers to purchase advertising space alongside search results on its MSN Internet site.

The widely expected move comes as Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, continues to take on Google Inc. in the Web-based information and services market.

At stake is the lucrative income from online advertising, particularly ads that are displayed next to search results, the main driver of search leader Google’s revenue.

Source: Reuters