Borders Net bookstore to launch

The online bookstore war is about to escalate. Borders Books today announced that it will launch its much-anticipated online bookstore some time this week.

Originally slated for launch in January, the site is expected to give online book leaders Amazon and Barnes & Noble a run for their money.

Borders made the announcement today as part of a pre-announcement of its first-quarter earnings. The company did not elaborate and a spokesperson for Borders declined to give more details.

Book buying is one of the most promising consumer e-commerce sectors on the Internet. Amazon's stock has skyrocketed since it went public last year.

Barnes & Noble, for its part, has used the Web as a natural extension of its brick-and-mortar business.

Borders, with its size and scope, is seen by analysts as yet another serious challenger on the scene.

In addition to books, Borders is expected to offer movie and music sales. Crown Books also is expected to launch an online store soon.