Yahoo Search
Yahoo Search, initially known as Yahoo!'s search engine, is one of the earliest and most well-known search engines on the Internet. Here are some key points about its history, development, and current status:
History
- Launch: Yahoo Search was launched in 1994 by David Filo and Jerry Yang as part of their project to organize web pages into categories, which evolved into the Yahoo Directory. Initially, Yahoo didn't have its own search technology; it used other engines like AltaVista for search results.
- Early Years: In the late 1990s, Yahoo started to develop its own search capabilities. By 1998, Yahoo had integrated search functionality with its directory listings.
- Partnerships:
- In 2000, Yahoo entered into an exclusive web search agreement with Google, using Google's search results until 2004.
- After the deal with Google ended, Yahoo started using search technology from Inktomi, which it later acquired in 2002.
- Yahoo then developed its own search engine, Yahoo Search Technology, in 2003, but continued to rely on external technology for some aspects.
- Acquisition of Overture: In 2003, Yahoo acquired Overture Services, which had developed PPC Advertising and search technology, significantly bolstering Yahoo's search capabilities.
Development and Features
- Index and Algorithms: Yahoo Search has continuously updated its index and algorithms to improve search relevancy and speed. It includes features like autocomplete, instant answers, and rich snippets to enhance user experience.
- Advertising: Yahoo Search has been a pioneer in the paid search advertising space, integrating PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads directly into search results through its acquisition of Overture.
- Partnerships: In 2009, Yahoo signed a deal with Microsoft where Microsoft's Bing search engine would provide the search results for Yahoo Search, while Yahoo would manage ad sales for both companies. This partnership was extended multiple times, with the latest extension running until 2023.
Current Status
- Market Share: While Yahoo Search has a significantly smaller market share compared to Google, it still holds a niche in the search engine market, particularly in the United States and Japan.
- User Experience: Yahoo Search focuses on providing a user-friendly experience with personalized results, news, and various web services integrated into the search page.
- Advertising: Yahoo Search continues to be a significant player in online advertising, especially through its partnership with Bing.
Sources
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