In a move designed to enhance its database marketing capabilities, interactive marketing services provider Acxiom has acquired the database marketing solutions division of ChoicePoint Precision Marketing LLC, a subsidiary of ChoicePoint Inc.

With the goal of fostering more innovation in search, Yahoo has released a new open Web services platform called BOSS (build your own search service) that allows third parties to access its search technology infrastructure.

EBay and PayPal have announced a collaborative effort with Google's webmail service Gmail to better protect consumers against fraudulent e-mails and phishing attacks.

Yahoo Games has partnered with game ad firms Double Fusion and NeoEdge Networks to offer ad-enabled, downloadable, casual games to users of its site.

Walter Karl is now managing the PESI Healthcare Nursing Seminar Attendees list. PESI Nursing Seminars provides current continuing education programs for medical professionals in all specialties.

Najafi Companies, a private investment firm, has agreed to acquire Bertelsmann AG's Direct Group North America, one of the largest direct marketers of books, DVDs and recorded music. Direct Group includes such brands as Columbia House and the Book-of-the-Month Club.

Inserts - Blair Home Blow-In Program - The Millard Group - Description: This file contains mostly female buyers of home products such as comforters, quilts, bathroom fittings, cookware, curtains, accessories, and home décor. Most of these brand-loyal buyers are married.

New List - Jog On Runner's Masterfile - List Connection Inc. - Description: This file contains runners who buy specialty apparel made for their hobby, subscribe to magazines or belong to clubs and associations.

New List - Bottom Line Women's Health Newsletter - Boardroom.com - Description: This file contains women age 55 and over who receive The Best of Mainstream and Natural Medicine monthly newsletter from Bottom Line Publications.

New List - US Student Resources - eTargetMedia.com Inc. - Description: This file contains parents of college-bound high school students interested in education and loan infor­mation, college students interested in financial aid, and adults interested in online education classes or those who have already finished their courses and are just starting out on new career paths. This list is composed entirely of custom­ers who have opted in, and is primarily sourced through online registration and survey response.