From the latest Hitwise report.

Just in time for our annual conference, AltSearchEngines has modified the definition that we use (yours may be different) for an “alternative” search engine.  When we launched, it meant any search engine except the 5 major search engines – at the time.

Now when we use the term, to us it means any search engine besides Google.  Therefore at our conference you should not be surprised to see Powerset (Microsoft) as a panelist and the lead sponsor, or the Yahoo! BOSS team as a speaker and sponsor, or ex-Googlers, Askers, or AOLers  in the audience.

Not all search engines or search tools want to see Google’s percentage of the U.S. market share receed, and we accept that, but many do.  Currently Google’s share of the search market seems to be unstopable, although it was 72.09% for January 2009  and just 72.11% for February.

So the question is, if every search engine that wants a larger slice of the pie is on the right track, will we see Google’s market share steadily decline  (in our lifetime)?  If not, could it be that that there are other approaches not yet mature – or not yet tried?

One thing’s for sure, I know of no other gathering of search engines the likes of which will join us!

Charles Knight, editor
AltSearchEngines.com

DeepDyve, the search engine for the Deep Web, just announced that Steve Wozniak has joined their Advisory Board. He will advise on technology trends and user experience. As co-founder of Apple, Wozniak’s engineering skills led to innovations that redefined the boundaries of personal computing.

“The Deep Web holds an almost limitless wealth of data, yet most of that information is collecting dust because nobody’s come up with a way to mine the data in a way that’s useful to researchers and consumers,” said Wozniak. “DeepDyve’s search technology is a breakthrough compared to the traditional keyword search that we know today. The company has the potential to transform Deep Web search, and I’m excited to help bring about that transformation.”

For years, researchers have tried in vain to use the Deep Web for research purposes, yet an estimated 99.8% of the Internet is still hidden from many of today’s search engines. To address this problem, DeepDyve developed its KeyPhraseTM technology, enabling its users to type in a few words, or copy an entire article as their query and find all related articles from only the best sources in the Deep Web.

“Steve’s place in the history of computing is already well established. But what sets him apart is his passion for technology and his commitment to mentoring and fostering the next generation of technology companies,” said William Park, CEO of DeepDyve. “We’re honored that Steve has chosen to work with DeepDyve, and we’re excited about the strides that we’ll make together.”

Source: DeepDyve