Microsoft and eBay have delivered tools that enable
links between the 2003 editions of Excel and FrontPage and the eBay
online auction service.
The tools are meant for developers to create applications that
will allow frequent users of eBay's service to manage their
auctions using Excel, including the ability to analyse sales and
upload multiple listings at once, according to Microsoft.
FrontPage users will be able to display information from eBay on
websites created using the Microsoft software.
"This is not something the typical user who wants to sell a
couple of CDs or concert posters on eBay would use," said Gytis
Barzdukas, director of Office product management at Microsoft.
The links between Office and eBay were first demonstrated by
Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates at the
Office 2003 launch last year. Microsoft and eBay are now delivering
the tools to make the links between their products happen.
The tools take advantage of XML capabilities in the 2003
editions of Excel and FrontPage, and web services application
programming interfaces made available by eBay.
For Excel developers, the tools package includes an inventory
staging component and an automated listing section. Sample code
demonstrating eBay listing management capabilities is also
included.
For FrontPage, the tools package includes web design and
maintenance tools and customisable data views that display multiple
item listings from eBay.
The tool set for Office 2003 will be offered on eBay's developer
website
(http://www.developer.ebay.com)
and the Microsoft Developer Network site. EBay will offer it first,
starting today, and membership to the eBay developers programme is
free, Microsoft said.
Joris Evers writes for IDG News Service
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