eBay Launches Partner Network, Pushes out Commission Junction

Valleywag posted a tip last night on the launch of the new eBay Partner Network. This morning, eBay (EBAY) has issued a press release about the new affiliate network. Note the use of the word "partner" instead of the word "affiliate". This is to help embrace the millions of sites that drive traffic and sales to eBay.

Only eBay and Half.com (they still exist?) are affected. eBay’s other businesses including StubHub will remain with current affiliate provider Commission Junction. The eBay Affiliate Program claims more than 100,000 members globally. Current affiliates have until May 1, 2008 to convert to the new Partner Network. There is information about the transition on the eBay affiliate site.

There are many services that leverage the CJ affiliate programs for their own affiliate programs. ShoppingAds (a CN sponsor) is one of those companies. I assume that each of these super-affiliates will need to get cranking on the rework to utilize the eBay Partner Network to minimize any potential customer downtime.