Christie's going online after all

Clarifying earlier reports, New York City auctioneer Christie's International, says it's not scrapping online auction altogether. Instead, the company plans to upgrade its current Web site, rather than launching a separate auction site for lower-end goods. The firm's initial investments will be on developing new interactive services and features, with time-based online auctions to follow.

Planned services include a guide to lots sold at auction, 3D multimedia viewing, online bidding , live Webcasts, sub-sites for each department,; and virtual reality tours of exhibitions with video and audio clips.

"All of Christie's will become interactive as we enhance our traditional auction business with interactive technology," says Nancy Valentino, senior vice president of christies.com.

The auctioneer says the new services will be available by mid-2000 or later.