Highlighted listings on the map

Microsoft's Live Search Maps now boasts local ad support, reports the Virtual Earth Blog. Programs include:

Highlighted Listings, which enables companies to dangle their logos in front of users. When a person searches for a restaurant or hotel in a given area, the logos of Highlighted Listings companies are featured in the search results bar, on the map, and in the enhanced rollover.

Sponsored Listings, similar to sponsored search listings in a standard search engine. When a person searches a hotel, those with Sponsored Listings appear at the very top. This is conducted through YellowPages.com.

Brand Finder, which promotes brands on maps when users run a generic search like "banks in San Diego."

Search Engine Land points out that Google has used sponsored advertising in its Maps product since August 2006.