Brands will be able to appear on consumers' desktops following a decision by Microsoft to open up its Window 7 operating system to advertising.
Global advertisers that have already teamed up with the software giant include Ducati, Infiniti, Porsche and Twentieth Century Fox.
There are two branding opportunities available, according to Microsoft. One is via the Window Theme Experience and the other is through Windows Personalisation Gallery.
Windows 7's launch date was October 22nd 2009 and a pilot scheme is already underway involving a handful of brands. This will run until October 2010.
It is predicted that new consumer engagement opportunities will arise for businesses, while users will be able to connect with their preferred brands outside of traditional online advertising.
Darren Huston, corporate vice president of the Consumer & Online organisation at Microsoft, says: "The new Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalisation Gallery in Windows 7 allow consumers to customise their technology to reflect the things in life they are most passionate about."
He also explains that these offerings are examples of how Microsoft has combined innovation and technology to allow top brands to "reach audiences in new and interesting ways".
