(2 January 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Adobe Systems and Internet company Yahoo! have launched Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo!.

This is an opt-in service that enables online commercial publishers to drive new revenue by including timely, contextual ads next to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)-based content. The service has the potential to offer readers access to more free content, enhanced with ads that match their interests.

Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo! is available initially as a beta programme.

The new service allows publishers to generate revenue by including contextual, text-based ads next to Adobe PDF content, with Yahoo! providing access to its extensive network of advertisers to match a broad range of subject matter. For advertisers, Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo! extends reach by delivering advertising across a new channel of content, while also providing the ability to track advertising performance, just as they can today with ads placed on Web sites.

Adobe senior VP, corporate development Rob Tarkoff says, "By partnering with Yahoo! on this innovative advertising service we are creating opportunities for publishers to build new businesses around unique content that previously was just given away or not available to a mass online audience. As advertisers look to touch new audiences, readers can look forward to some exciting Adobe PDF content coming their way."

Yahoo! Publisher Network senior VP Todd Teresi says, "This partnership with Adobe creates a previously untapped opportunity for advertisers to connect with qualified audiences, while opening new revenue streams for publishers, and helping deliver additional relevant content to consumers.

"Creating new value with Ads in Adobe PDFs is a natural step forward in Yahoo!'s ongoing strategy to enable an array of digital connections between advertisers, publishers, and consumers."

To join the programme, publishers must register online, and then simply upload their Adobe PDF content so that it can be ad-enabled before distributing PDFs as they do today. Ads can only be displayed within Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat, in a panel adjacent to the content so that they do not disrupt the viewing experience.

Every time the PDF content is viewed, contextual ads are dynamically matched to the content of the document. The publisher can then monitor performance through detailed reports. Publishers already committed to participating in the Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo! beta program include: IDG InfoWorld, Wired, Pearson's Education, Meredith Corporation and Reed Elsevier.