Facebook makes huge bid to outpace Google advertising

If you want a plain English description of why Facebook just bought Microsoft's Atlas ad server, then head over to AdExchanger.

In short, it's about world domination, Facebook ads product director Gokul Rajaram tells the site.

Atlas lets Facebook offer three things:

1. Advertisers will be able to directly compare Facebook advertising results to non-Facebook advertising.

2. Advertisers will be able to compare desktop vs. mobile advertising.

3. Using Facebook's pacts with Datalogix and Nielsen, advertisers will be able to compare Facebook advertising vs. traditional offline advertising. Even TV.

When asked, "Do you want marketers to use Facebook as the hub for all online advertising, and eventually offline as well?" Rajaram gave a two-word answer:

"You're right."

(He also elaborated that it was also about measurement, and that it would take a while for Facebook to integrate and build out Atlas into the tool Facebook but wants it to be.)

The move places Facebook firmly in competition with Google. AdExchanger noted that Google does not participate in either Facebook's FBX ad exchange or offer Facebook in its search ad results, preventing comparisons between Facebook and Google ads results.

More from our partner, Business Insider:

Business Insider: The British Government Is Selling Off Part Of Its French Wine Collection

Business Insider: Two Of The Four SpaceX Dragon Thrusters Are Back Online

Business Insider: This Hardcore Flask Will Keep Your Whiskey Secure

Business Insider: The Reason Why We Don't Eat Horse Meat Is Purely Economical

Business Insider: Buzz Media Lays Off 20 Percent Of Staff

Kickstart The World’s fundraising drive!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help. Make a gift today to help us raise $25,000  by the end of the month and keep The World going strong. Every gift will be matched 2:1!