Amazon puts auction customers on alert with new service

The giant e-tailer's new service, called Mobile Auctions, allows Amazon customers to receive alerts about their auctions and bids through a cell phone. Customers can sign up for mobile alerts on the Amazon Auctions home page.

Like other Internet players, Amazon has been moving aggressively in the burgeoning wireless market. The Seattle-based giant already lets customers shop from various mobile devices, such as 3Com's Palm VII handheld wireless computer and several Web-ready Sprint PCS cell phones.

The wireless Net market is expected to explode in the next few years, prompting many companies to step up their efforts in the sector. Several technology providers have been busy developing wireless Web applications, introducing various wireless services, and customizing their content for cell phones and other handheld devices.

Amazon said its Mobile Auctions service will allow customers to search for new auction items, enter and monitor bids, and track sales directly from Net-capable cell phones. Customers can also create custom alerts to be sent to their cell phones or pagers notifying them of the status of their auctions.