Microsoft today released new application programming interfaces (APIs), Web services and other components designed to help developers build more innovative and powerful Web applications and services for consumers. These tools provide developers access to a broad array of resources for MSN Web Search, Windows Desktop Search, MSN Virtual Earth, MSN Messenger and more at the newly launched MSN Developer Center on MSDN.com.

Participants at this week’s Microsoft Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles witnessed demonstrations of APIs that allow developers and businesses to embed Microsoft functionality in commercial applications and Web sites to deliver to consumers faster access to information and more flexibility and control over their search and communications experience. By integrating Microsoft technology through the newly released APIs, developers and businesses can realize new revenue streams while improving the products and services they make available to their customers.

Central to the new offerings is an API for the MSN search service, allowing developers to seamlessly incorporate the power of Web search into their applications. Also being released is an API for MSN Virtual Earth mapping service, which includes no-charge commercial access. Microsoft is leading the way in the industry to offer developers of commercial-scale applications no-charge access to Microsoft’s cutting edge mapping tools to enhance their applications.

In addition, MSN is making available the next version of its industry-leading MapPoint Web Service 4.0, as well as a platform for developers to build applications and offer compelling content to MSN’s more than 170 million instant messaging users.