On Tuesday, Microsoft Corp. introduced MSN Local Search functionality to its array of search engine tools in hopes of keeping up with rivals Google and Yahoo.

MSN Local Search searches and displays results based on the users’ geographical location, thereby, potentially providing more useful links to the end-user. Alongside the search listings would be the actual maps of the location. Microsoft said this service is currently under Beta, but users can still try out the functions at its MSN search website.

According to the world’s largest software developer, MSN retrieves its online maps from MapPoint Web Service and aerial images from TerraServer-USA, which is essentially a large database operated by Microsoft as part of a research project.

The company added that ultimately it has plans to integrate something called Virtual Earth, which would display results from various searches on top of one another.

Microsoft hopes to directly compete against its rivals by offering services similar to them. Both Google and Yahoo have technologies identical to MSN Local Search.

"We remain committed to continuously improving our search service and today's 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," said Christopher Payne, Corporate Vice President, MSN Search, Microsoft.