Microsoft to launch ticket service

Microsoft will use USA Interactive's Ticketmaster to launch its own online ticketing service on its MSN Web portal. Called MSN Tickets, the site will allow people to search for and purchase event tickets brokered by Ticketmaster. MSN will also weave the service into other relevant areas such as its entertainment and music pages.

The deal is the latest tie-in between Microsoft and USA Interactive. In 1999, USA Interactive acquired Microsoft's network of Web city guides called Sidewalk and folded them into its CitySearch business.