Microsoft keeps grip on Cyber Lions

Regional - With Cannes 2007 ended, Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions has come out and extended its sponsorship of the event's Cyber Lions category until 2010.

"The Cyber Lions awards have become firmly cemented on the Cannes awards schedule as digital has added a richness to the advertising mix. We've seen strong growth again this year in Cyber with a record number of entries, up 8.35% versus 2006," Philip Thomas, CEO for Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival said.

The news means Microsoft's total relationship with the International Advertising Festival will reach nine years. Microsoft's presence at this year's event included among other things, a co-sponsored presentation, focusing on research exploring the dual dynamics of TV and the internet as digital takes centre stage in consumers' daily lives.

"It is undeniable that digital is taking an increasingly prominent position in the advertising mix. The industry has reached a level of maturity, and advertisers are now truly recognizing the power of digital," Steve Berkowitz, SVP of Online Services Business for Microsoft said.