The white paper provides resources for consumers to help them recognize illegitimate software offered on auction sites, and includes real examples of "stalking" e-mail messages sent directly to bidders after their addresses were gleaned from auctions.

CNN: Technology - New online software piracy emerges

Meanwhile, the once radical e-sourcing idea has become routine for Tata, which ran 750 reverse auctions on Ariba in the past year to bring down purchasing prices by an average of 7% for everything from ball bearings to the milk served in the company cafeteria.

FORBES: The Next People's Car

Gomez Advisors, in Massachusetts, assesses the performance of e-commerce websites in areas such as personal finance, travel, shopping, car buying and auctions.

ECONOMIST: A survey of e-commerce