MSN today released a beta version of a new Local Search service, enabling consumers to quickly retrieve local results from business, residential or local Web sites, often accompanied by informative maps and aerial images. This initial beta release is the first step by MSN® Search toward delivering a broad local search vision, which encompasses geo-local search, mapping technologies, mobile search, local business and residential databases, and local Instant Answers related to news, events, movie times, weather and more.

MSN also announced that the Virtual Earth™ team will join MSN Search, bringing over 10 years of mapping and geo-location experience, allowing MSN to provide an immersive experience that enables consumers to search, navigate, explore and discover local information through the next wave of local search technology.

“We are deeply investing in developing world-leading local search services that precisely deliver the local information consumers care about,” said Christopher Payne, corporate vice president for MSN Search at Microsoft Corp. “We remain committed to continuously improving our search service, and today’s MSN Local Search beta release is just the beginning. With the addition of MSN Virtual Earth, we are poised to take local search to the next level.”