A latecomer to the interactive advertising bonanza, AOL has had to play catch-up in recent years. The trend continues with the advent of Platform A, the latest effort to centralize the company's ad networks, which include Adertising.com and recently acquired TACODA.

The unit, which AOL estimates will reach 90 percent of internet users, will be run by former Tacoda CEO Curt Viebranz.

Recently AOL took strides to shift its focus to advertising by moving its offices to New York in a bid to become closer with Madison Ave.

In the meantime, rumors of layoffs have dogged AOL as it struggles to transition from a subscription portal to an advertising titan.