Yahoo recently announced its decision to deliver an alternative advertising network for publishers with small and mid-sized websites. Yahoo is currently inviting publishers to join its network in hopes of competing against Google’s Adsense program that essentially offers the same services to publishers and advertisers.

Yahoo said the more inclusive ad program in beta would be only available via an invitation-only. Once invited, the invitees will be able to self-serve its features to sign up for Yahoo advertising and have access to Yahoo’s content simultaneously.

"By helping the broader publishing community maximize the value of their sites, we aim to create an even more rewarding Internet experience for publishers, advertisers and users," said Bill Demas, Senior Vice President, Partner Solutions Group, Yahoo.

Yahoo’s Context Match technology would be similar to Adsense in that it’ll serve contextually relevant ads based on the content. Once a reader clicks on the ad, the publisher will receive a portion of the revenue.

Yahoo is also offering other services to support publishers such as "Add to My Yahoo!" feature that lets users subscribe to RSS feeds and help increase traffic for publishers.

The online company further added that it would continue to work with publishers to improve its publishers network by surveys and other means of feedback services.

"We are deeply committed to the publishing market, which is why we are investing in building meaningful relationships with our publishers over time," said Will Johnson, General Manager, Yahoo Publisher Network. He further added, "Through Yahoo, publishers have the opportunity to share their ideas and help shape current and future products to support the global publishing community."

Yahoo hopes to expand the beta version of the program to a full version by the end of 2005.