Microsoft and Ask.com have partnered to give small businesses access to both advertising platforms in one step, reports ClickZ.

Small business users of Microsoft Office Live's beta-status adManager service will, upon logging in, have the ability to buy sponsored listings on Ask.com. The program is designed to give those small businesses access to a search marketing tool, something they otherwise might not have checked out. It also extends to Ask's publisher network.

The collabo is toted by Microsoft as a chance to bring value to users.

One analyst notes that even with the combined scope of the partnership, the market share poses no threat to Yahoo or Google. That same analyst points out this deal does not create new inventory opportunities, just brings together access to existing inventory.