Back when Internet Explorer 7.0 was released, Yahoo and Google quickly used that opportunity to create versions of the browser that were optimized for their respective services.   I was always surprised this wasn’t done more with Firefox, as the open source format seems to be optimal for this type of thing.  

Now it looks like it’s finally happening, with Firefox working with eBay to release a custom version of the popular Firefox 2.0 browser that is optimized for eBay.  If you’re an eBay user, you can download this version of the browser and enjoy some of these built-in features:

  • eBay integrated search
  • eBay Account Guard support
  • eBay sidebar with real time updates on your auctions
  • Auction status alerts (including outbid notices)

Although Google has before offered a custom Firefox download (with Google Toolbar), it looks like this is the first time a company has partnered with Firefox to release a custom browser.  Why is this a big deal?

Open source is a community project and so many open source enthusiasts feel that Firefox should not be making money doing this kind of stuff.   In my opinion, extra money could allow Mozilla to employ additional full time staff, so I’m all for it.   It will be interesting to see if this will spawn off additional Firefox browsers optimized for other services.Â