Online retailer, eBay is creating an interesting look at the future of e-commerce and m-commerce through its recent release of its’ financial summary from 2010. With over $9 billion in revenue, it should come as no surprise that eBay’s approach to m-commerce is being recognized as a model for approaching mobile and application retail. eBay has their traditional online format for access but also a custom designed application for users to access, shop and buy from their smart phone. Hopping on one of the latest mobile trends, eBay also recently acquired RedLaser which provides a barcode scan for comparison shopping between brick and mortar stores and the online marketplace (or in eBay’s case, from their marketplace).

Further adding to the increasing revenue gained by eBay are transaction fees from third party vendors like PayPal. From $91 billion worth of PayPal transactions, eBay made $3.4 billion. Both companies are noted for their progressive technology adaptations and PayPal’s ability to take check deposits via mobile pictures and using Bump technology to transfer money is speeding up the pace at which users can research, shop, and ultimately, spend money while on the go.

M-commerce is making substantial gains in the retail arena and if eBay, PayPal and other big name companies, like Amazon and Starbucks, continue to provide ways in which mobile phones can replace the majority of traditional shopping it won’t be long before these new approaches become the most common. With the recent allowance of using mobile phones for payment in retail stores, Starbucks is helping further along the smart phone take over. Although progressing rapidly, mobile phones and their ever expanding capabilities are shaping the future of both traditional and ecommerce and revolutionizing how financial transactions take place.