Sample code readied on links between Office, trading site Microsoft and eBay on Monday are teaming to promote XML capabilities that can boost trading on the eBay platform.The arrangement involves using XML in the Microsoft Office System and on eBay to enable developers to build applications that give users more control in managing transactions, the companies said. Sample code to exploit Office System 2003 integration with eBay is being released. Developed in cooperation with eBay Developers Program member Allin, the code is available for download at www.developer.ebay.com/.The sample code demonstrates how to sell items on eBay from a list in an Excel spreadsheet, as well as FrontPage integration with the eBay API using HTML editing and Web site customization features in FrontPage. “We have working sample code that will give developers a head start in developing solutions,” said Debbie Brackeen, director for the eBay Developers Program. This spring, eBay plans to announce a SOAP API for application development.With the combination of Excel 2003 and FrontPage 2003, developers can provide tools to analyze sales and inventory in real time and build sophisticated Web sites, according to Microsoft and eBay. Developers and eBay buyers and sellers can use tools in FrontPage 2003 and XML-based APIs by provided by the eBay Developers Program to build Web sites that display customized information for sale on eBay.The FrontPage 2003 Web package includes Web design and maintenance tools; a data view built to display multiple item listings from eBay; customization of data views; sorting, filtering, and grouping features to present only desired data; and a new icon for specific items listed on the last day of the auction. Using Excel 2003, developers can integrate with the eBay API via XML to leverage capabilities of Office 2003. Excel allows eBay buyers and sellers to create an online historical record of transactions, analyze buying or selling history, and use Excel’s automated bulk uploading processes to submit item listings instead of having to manually enter the same items each time. Microsoft has a similar arrangement with Amazon.com in which Office 2003 can integrate with the Amazon product catalog. Software Development