eBay told users via a message on its Announcement Board that it has formed a partnership with AOL, "focused on Safety and Security." eBay is launching counters this week, which will link to a special co-branded page within eBay's Security & Resolution Center section on its website. There, in addition to information about staying safe from phishing and identity theft, is an editorial pitch that links to a page promoting AOL's "Safety and Security" offering. The service is available at no charge to AOL users, but non-AOL uses must pay a monthly fee for the service, which offers protection against spyware, phishing and viruses as well as offering firewall spam and popup controls.

eBay rolled out the new auction counters after third-party vendor Andale decided not to renew its exclusive contract with eBay earlier this year. Andale had been paying eBay a fee to provide sellers with free Andale counters since 2000. Andale continues to provide eBay sellers with free counters, and enhanced its counter offering in April with a feature called Auto Attach, which allows any eBay seller to automatically set up Andale counters to appear on all of their current and future listings (http://auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m04/i24/s02).

eBay counters will be available in three styles: basic, retro-computer and hidden. eBay counters will be an option on new listings and relisted items. Existing Andale counters will not be replaced on current, revised or ended items - sellers who wish to continue to use Andale counters may do so by visiting the Andale website.

http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200607121316072.html