Microsoft to Acquire AdECN

Microsoft has agreed to acquire Carpinteria-based AdECN, Inc., a Web-based exchange that buys and sells internet ad space within milliseconds. The exchange enables advertisers to not only target demographics but tailor ads for individual internet users the instant they enter a web page owned by an AdECN member. The terms of the sale were not disclosed, but a competitor, Right Media, was reportedly purchased by Yahoo in April for $680 million. AdECN (whose last three letters stand for Electronic Communications Network) was founded in 2003 by William Urschel and employs about 30 people.