Billing problems hit Xbox

Technical problems have been plaguing Xbox.com, affecting users' account management and access to the Xbox Marketplace, says cnet.

According to the official Xbox Live status page, "Users may experience difficulties with account recovery, account management, Marketplace functions, and/or making purchases. We are aware of the problem and (are) working to resolve the technical issues."

Xbox Live's director of programming, Larry Hryb, has been posting updates on Twitter saying that the problem may impact users' ability to manage their accounts, buy points, use existing points, redeem tokens, and other similar actions.

The US Postal Service will offer early retirement to about 150 000 workers, close administrative offices and eliminate more than 3 000 jobs to help resolve a financial crisis as the volume of mail declines, reports Bloomberg.

Stamped mail is down to 1964 levels, officials say, contributing to a deficit that reached $2.8 billion in 2008 and is likely to be larger this year. Business at the post office has dropped as economic activity slows and people and businesses turn to e-mail and electronic billing and payment.

The service reported a first-quarter loss of $384 million on the eighth consecutive quarter of lower mail volume.

US online payment processing services provider Merchant e-Solutions has added alternative payment option Bill Me Later to its payment gateway, processing platform and online reporting system, states The Paypers.

Merchant e-Solutions' online services are aimed at online merchants and include online payments, Web-based reporting, deposit reporting, monthly statements and transaction reporting, as well as community bank services.

Under the terms of the agreement, e-commerce merchants can now allow their customers to pay via Bill Me Later.