Stock Watch: Commerce One Rises on Microsoft B2B Deal

Commerce One (Nasdaq: CMRC) was up 2 13/16 at 17 15/16 early Wednesday after the e-commerce software company announced an expanded agreement with Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)

The companies said they will collaborate on business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce software, integrating technologies, standards, marketing, and sales using the Microsoft .NET platform.

Most of Commerce One's customers use Microsoft's Windows for their B2B programs, and the companies expect the expanded alliance to reach more potential buyers and sellers.

"Microsoft's alliance with Commerce One will deliver B2B solutions to marketplace customers of all sizes and needs," said Microsoft president and chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.