As the next step in the continuing expansion of its online and mobile access strategy, Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, is pleased to announce the global launch of Christie’s Mobile Web, an optimized mobile experience that is free to all users of web-enabled cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), regardless of the device’s operating platform. The move builds on the July 2009 launch of Christie’s free app for the iPhone and iTouch to now include the full universe of mobile devices and operating platforms, including the best-selling Android, Blackberry, Palm, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG, and other popular models.

"The launch of this expanded offering exponentially increases the number of people who can stay connected to their favorite Christie’s content, no matter where they might be. We recognize that our clients are increasingly mobile and rely on their portable devices more than ever to browse Christie’s digital sales catalogues, track sales results, and submit items for appraisal. As a key component of Christie’s broader “on the go” content distribution strategy, our platform-independent mobile experience is a key differentiator for our company and places us at the forefront of innovation in our industry,” said Michael O’Neal, Senior Vice President and Director of Digital Media at Christie’s.

Christie's Mobile Web is a comprehensive experience that delivers the company's online content and services seamlessly to all mobile devices worldwide. To access it, type www.christies.com into the web browser on any HTML-enabled mobile phone – no downloading or app purchase is required. Users will find the most popular Christie’s content and services reproduced and optimized for mobile access, so that clients and visitors may enjoy virtually the same online experience whether they access the site from their laptop, mobile phone, or PDA. This advancement is a further step in Christie’s comprehensive “On the Go” strategy for providing best-in-class service to clients, no matter where they may be and what type of device they prefer.

With Christie’s Mobile Web experience, mobile phone users can:

• Browse any Christie’s auction, anywhere in the world with a mobile phone: Search by category, location, or area of interest. For collectors, art dealers, and interior designers, Christie’s Mobile Web makes it even easier to pull up images and information about artworks, antiques, and other collectibles and share them with a client or friend, right on the spot.

• Get Real-time Auction Results: The Mobile Web site reports results direct from the saleroom and refreshes the sales total as it progresses, so that users have the latest news at their fingertips, as soon as the hammer falls.

• View Sale Catalogues and Lot Details: Mobile Web users always have the latest sales catalogue at their fingertips, with detailed information about all 80 collecting categories that Christie’s represents, including fine and decorative arts and design, jewellery, antiquities, furniture, books, watches, wine, musical instruments, and more. Detailed information about every individual lot is accessible, including dimensions, estimates, provenance, and lot notes.

• Zoom-In on Lots of Interest: Mobile Web users can enlarge any lot from thumbnail to full-screen size on their mobile phone screen, for further inspection and review.

• Find A Salesroom: When traveling, it’s easy to locate any of Christie’s 10 salesrooms and offices around the globe with the help of the Mobile Web site, which offers detailed directions by car and public transit.

• Submit Images for Appraisal: Take a picture of an object with your mobile phone or PDA and submit it to our department specialists for a property valuation.

• Learn How to Buy or Sell at Auction: Mobile Web users can use Christie’s online guides to learn how to buy and sell at auction, learn the history of Christie’s auction house, and easily find contact info for each specialist department.

As with Christie’s free app for the iPhone and iTouch, the Mobile Web application was developed in partnership with Kargo, a leading independent mobile media and technology partner that specializes in producing breakthrough entertainment and information applications. To date, the Christie’s app for iPhone and iTouch has been downloaded by over 33,000 users from all corners of the globe.

Harry Kargman, founder and CEO of Kargo said, “In a platform-splintered world, leading-edge brands like Christie’s are now making their digital content available across a variety of devices and channels. We are pleased to again work with Christie’s in harnessing the power of the mobile consumer by assisting in the development of a client experience that is unmatched in the global auction market.”