eBay makes .NET alliance with Microsoft

NEWS It is expected that by the end of the year, eBay will offer its commerce engine to developers as an XML-based web service. It will also deploy Windows 2000 Server and Microsoft Passport technologies. In return, Microsoft will be integrating eBay's marketplace on a number of its web properties including bCentral, Carpoint and certain MSN sites. In a statement, Meg Whitman, president and CEO of eBay, said: "By working with Microsoft's cutting-edge technology we will significantly strengthen eBay's marketplace and our community's ability to trade seamlessly at any time from anywhere on the planet." The companies said the alliance is intended to improve their global online presence and enhance customer experience.