AuctionBytes has learned that AuctionWatch, an eBay Preferred Provider of auction management services, has made substantial layoffs within the past 72 hours. AuctionWatch President Rodrigo Sales confirmed the layoffs, putting the number at "fewer than 50%".

Sales said AuctionWatch will discontinue its efforts in the enterprise market. It will instead focus on the tools and services for individual sellers, power sellers and small businesses, an area that he said continues to generate strong revenues for the company.

AuctionWatch will no longer update its "News & Information" feature on its Web site. Sales said they are still evaluating whether to continue their discussion forums. He would not confirm the number of people that AuctionWatch employs, nor the exact number of people laid off.