Netscape Thursday introduced the new search offering on its Netcenter portal that builds on its Open Directory Project and utilizes smart browsing technology.
Netscape Search allows consumers to type simple words and phrases into Navigator’s location bar and receive search results.
The service also includes technology from Google Inc. which searches more than 60 million Web sites.
Barry Schuler, president of AOL’s interactive services group, said AOL believes Netscape Search is a critical step in the company’s efforts to revolutionize Internet search services.
“This announcement follows on the heels of our Inktomi agreement to provide Web search services across the AOL network. Netscape Search is a strategic service for a key AOL property, Netscape Netcenter… Our goal with Netscape Search is to leverage the growth and breadth of the Open Directory to create a search that’s robust and easily accessible from Netcenter and the browser,” he said.
On June 14, AOL and Inktomi Corp. signed an agreement to incorporate Inktomi’s search service into AOL’s newest Web search products. The deal expands the relationship established in April 1998, under which AOL licensed Inktomi’s Traffic Server network cache software.