Microsoft Testing Free Classified Marketplace

Microsoft has been working on a free classified marketplace code-name “Fremont” for much of the last year — before anyone heard of Google Base, execs told News.com — and plans to launch a beta. TechCrunch, which had the first cryptic report, says the launch will be in a matter of weeks; CNET says the company wouldn’t give a schedule.
The concept: People can list items for sale, events and other info that usually makes its way in classified ads. That info can be shared with anyone online or with specific groups. “Basically, it will be a free listing service, with a bunch of twists to make it very unique, such as integration with social networks, in particular integration with MSN Messenger,” MSN product unit manager Garry Wiseman told CNET. Geo-tagged listings are integrated with Windows Live Local (formerly Virtual Earth). Searching can be geo-limited. The model is Microsoft’s own internal listings service, where the number of cars sold is “phenomenal,” according to Wiseman. Google Base carries an aura of mystery but Fremont makes no claims to being anything more than a classified service.

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