posted 03-13-2001 09:58 AM         

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Microsoft and eBay announced a broad alliance to support each others’ internet technologies and services. The relationship could have important implications, as eBay seeks to expand its sphere of influence beyond its mainstay Internet auction site. It also represents one of the biggest endorsements to date for Microsoft’s broad new internet initiative, dubbed .Net. (source: MSNBC) http://www.msnbc.com/news/542951.asp

Even as Napster fights for its life, AOL Time Warner is quietly preparing to rule digital music. (source: The Standard) http://www.thestandard.com/article/display/0,1151,22754,00.html

posted 03-07-2001 06:20 PM         

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In brief:

- Heavy debt and a disappointing holiday season have forced eToys into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company is expected to begin its liquidation on Thursday by shutting down its website.

posted 03-05-2001 06:42 PM         

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Amazon.com may be in talks to form a strategic alliance with Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer, according to a UK newspaper. Under the terms of the alleged deal, Amazon would become Wal-Mart's e-commerce supplier and Wal-Mart would gain access to the e-tailer's expertise in managing the retail chain. (source: The Standard) http://www.thestandard.com/article/display/0,1151,22627,00.html

The rumor that Wal-Mart and Amazon.com may enter into an alliance marks the first time Amazon investors had anything to celebrate in the last six months -- but it may be a little premature to pop open the champagne. (source: Forbes) http://www.forbes.com/2001/03/05/0305amazon.html

posted 03-05-2001 04:14 PM         

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Stockback.com enables its shoppers to earn cash rewards of up to 20% when shopping at participating e-merchants. Shoppers then have the option of investing their cash rewards in the no-load Stockback Fund, which includes stock of many of the participating e-merchants, or of keeping the money in a non-interest bearing checking account. Membership is free; however, if members choose to invest via the Stockback Fund they may incur certain additional mutual fund management fees. http://www.stockback.com

In the midst of the Net stock mania, naysayers often noted that first-mover companies in previous technology booms weren't the long-term winners. For example, PC pioneers Osborne and Kaypro eventually lost out to latecomers Dell, Compaq and Gateway. So is it possible that the Amazons and eBays of today will soon be replaced by a new generation of Internet stocks? (source: Forbes) http://www.forbes.com/columnists/2001/03/01/0301simons.html

posted 02-15-2001 06:00 PM         

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In brief:

- That rare bird, the analyst's "sell" rating nested on Amazon.com's stock this morning. Lehman Brothers downgraded the shares citing poor growth in core businesses, and sending them tumbling.

All times are EST (US)