eBay is bringing its affiliate program inhouse with the creation of the eBay Partner Network, officially launching on April 1, 2008. eBay and Half.com will no longer run their affiliate programs through ValueClick's Commission Junction platform.

The eBay Affiliate Program has more than 100,000 members globally and according to eBay, is one of the most successful tools for driving buyers to eBay.

eBay Vice President of Internet Marketing Matt Ackley said, "Affiliate partners are central to eBay's ongoing strategy of improving the user experience and increasing engagement. The new eBay Partner Network will allow us to have a direct relationship with our affiliates, innovate faster and deliver new products and tools in a more timely and efficient manner, providing new revenue opportunities for our affiliates and creating a more streamlined user experience for our buyers and sellers."

eBay's Tradera AB, ProStores, Inc, Reseller Marketplace, Media Marketplace, eBay Stores and StubHub will not be affected and will continue their relationship with Commission Junction. eBay affiliates working with other platforms, including Affilinet and Tradedoubler, will not be affected.

eBay and Half.com affiliates will be required to move their affiliate links over to the eBay Partner Network by May 1, 2008. eBay will continue its partnership with ValueClick's technology division, Mediaplex, for ad serving, tracking and other custom projects.

http://affiliates.ebay.com