• October 26, 2007

Dallas-based Idearc Media has partnered with Multiplied Media to bring local search via IM to Microsoft Windows Live Messenger users. Idearc supplies the local business through its Superpages.com directory, which will run on Calgary-based Multiplied Media's Poynt instant messaging application.

Consumers add the Poynt address as a Windows Live Messenger contact, then 'chat' with the service like they would any other buddy. The Poynt service will ask them to set their address, ZIP code or other location landmark and then enter the type of business they're looking for. Users get a list of business names, addresses and phone numbers in order of proximity, and Poynt also provides driving directions and a map.

"It is difficult to predict where consumers are going to be when they search for local information," said Eric Chandler, president-Internet for Idearc Media. "That is why it's important to deliver content to multiple platforms--including instant messaging--so our advertisers appear wherever the end-user is searching."