What was the original name of the online marketplace now known as Alibaba.com?

The online marketplace now known as Alibaba.com was originally called Alibaba Online.

Alibaba.com is Alibaba Group’s business-to-business marketplace, connecting suppliers and buyers internationally. Jack Ma and his co-founders launched the service in 1999, during the early expansion of internet commerce in China. Its early purpose was to help Chinese manufacturers reach overseas customers.

The service became known as Alibaba.com as the group developed a broader family of internet businesses. Unlike Taobao, which focuses mainly on consumer-to-consumer commerce in China, Alibaba.com primarily supports wholesale and business purchasing.

Alibaba.com is sometimes confused with Alibaba Group itself. Alibaba Group is the parent company, while Alibaba.com is one of its marketplaces. The group also operates or has operated consumer platforms including Taobao and Tmall, each aimed at a different segment of online retail.