Xfernal's Techno-Dev Mumbling

The word is Microsoft is developing an online classified ad system code-named Fremont.

Features:

1. MSN IM alerts for buying/selling items
2. Buddy list only selling, or limiting by domain in email addresses
3. Geography based searching via ZIP
4. Free service

In the news:

Microsoft joins classified ad race

So, is Google planning on using Google Base as an online classified ad system as well? If it is true that Google is working on an online payment system and combines it with Google Base for ads, it would definitely be interesting and would generate much attention.

Supposedly Fremont would be a free service because the business model involves ad revenue. Lets just hope that they do not use image/flash banner ads like they do on the MSN home page. One thing I have always liked about Google is there are no ads on the home page and text only ads on their search results pages. Keep it clean!

What about Ebay? They bought Craigslist and they already have the online payment system PayPal. I doubt they will sit idle while this war is brewing, but I am afraid they will get stomped by one of the 800 pound gorillas being the smaller monkey they are. Eeeep!