In an attempt to challenge Groupon and LivingSocial, Facebook is releasing its second deals program.

Named 'Social Deals', the new effort closely resembles Groupons daily deals.

These new Social Deals can be purchased up front by use of money or Facebook Credits; you purchase a voucher that is then redeemed offline.

The trial begins in five USA cities across three states; Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, San Diego and San Francisco.  There are also 11 initial partners providing deals to Facebook, as follows:

Adealio
FreshGuide
Glit City
Home Run
KGB
OpenTable
Plumdistrict
PoweredByTippr
ReachLocal
Viagogo
Zozi

The original ‘Facebook Deals’ is being renamed to ‘Check-in Deals’ to separate it from the new program.

Check-in Deals are aimed at national entities and small businesses, while Social Deals focus more on local businesses.