Large Korean companies sell their newest products and offer services using competitive auctions and fixed-priced storefronts.

For some industries that have traditionally used auctions, like livestock, antiques and repossessed cars, the move online seems to be a natural extension of business.

Some businesses trade solely online using forward auctions on websites such as eBay.

It is unusual for smaller businesses to make purchases using reverse auctions.

Another example used online auctions for Magic cards to test revenue outcomes for various auction types.

It lets software "agents" bid for hot or cold air in a building, using digital "auctions," in an effort to make climate control more efficient.

"It has actually spawned some ideas," he said, "about Internet-based commerce using auctions."

The increasing popularity of using online auctions has led to an increase in fraudulent activity.

In 2003, researchers claimed an average of 5% of total corporate spending was sourced using reverse auctions.

The new policy of using auctions for most nonbroadcasting licenses has been strongly supported by both Democrats and Republicans.