• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, September 9, 2008

Widget syndicator Clearspring Technologies and social advertising company SplashCast today are expected to announce the launch of an integrated service designed to help brands and advertisers connect with Web audiences across social networks.

"We can now offer the most comprehensive channel for distribution of content and integrated advertising across the social networks," said Hooman Radfar, co-founder and chief executive officer of Clearspring.

SplashCast is in the business of integrating advertisers with rich media content with the goal of engaging online audiences through social networks. Working with companies such as Sony/BMG, Universal Music, and MTV, SplashCast has built a library of rich media content for young consumers.

SplashCast selected Clearspring as its exclusive partner because of the company's widget distribution and analytics capabilities, according to the company.

Clearspring recently raised $18 million in a third round of funding from New Enterprise Associates, Novak Biddle Venture Partners and other investors. The McLean, Va.-based company recently announced that New Enterprise Partner Harry Weller and Capital One co-founder Nigel Morris joined former AOL heavyweights Ted Leonsis, Steve Case and Miles Gilburne on its board of directors. Clearspring has raised a total of $35 million in venture capital to date.

With its capital reserves, Clearspring is attempting to expand its widget advertising products and further develop its ad network that spans more than 80 social networking and other sites including MySpace, Facebook and Blogger.

Clearspring tracks over 4 billion widgets monthly, working with marketers that have included Honda, Snapple, Sprint, Disney, the NBA and Blockbuster. The company is now attempting to capitalize on the user data it has gathered since launching its platform in 2007 to increase efficiency and better target ads.

Using its patent-pending content management system, SplashCast is able to integrate brands like Sony/BMG, Red Bull, Universal Music, and Nike with content.