EBay has revealed a plan to let third-party software programs work within its Selling Manager, a tool used by 700,000 large merchants. Project Echo is the latest landmark in an openness movement that helped Facebook hit its stride, Reuters reports, as independent developers will soon have their software promoted on the auction giant.
A rep said the company simply wants to “help developers and sellers make more money, which is what this is all about.” The site will benefit from outside innovation while giving external partners new access to making money. The software will be featured for purchase by auction sellers, and eBay will take a cut from the deals. (More eBay stories.)