Microsoft announced three quite significant modifications to Bing’s search deal with Facebook. The two companies first announced the collaboration back in 2006 and the relationship has been expanding since.

This latest extension of the agreement will see Bing provide Facebook users access to a range of search features beyond the standard set of links, including “richer answers” according to the announcement. This might include additional content in line with results categories found on Bing, including images, news, travel, or even shopping. Note: these features are coming soon.

The next change is that the Bing-Facebook search integration is going worldwide to the more than 400 million people using Facebook.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Facebook will take over the selling of its own display ad space for the first time since the start of the original agreement. Microsoft will continue provide search ads. The continuation of the Web search deal enables Microsoft/Bing to continue driving performance across its own social media and communication tools, including Windows Live Messenger and Hotmail, and through content environments across MSN and Xbox Live.

General manager at Bing, Jon Tinter, remarked: "Facebook has been a close and valued partner of Microsoft for a number of years. We have worked together on several fronts all designed to create great experiences and services."

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