Ask Jeeves and CitySearch Parter for Local Search
Ask Jeeves, Inc. and Citysearch yesterday announced a partnership agreement. Under the agreement, Ask Jeeves, Inc. will license Citysearch’s local content and business data to help power Smart Search(TM) results for local searches on Ask Jeeves. Ask Jeeves expects Ask.com users to be able to take advantage of Citysearch data next month.
“Searches for local information and services represent one of the most significant areas of user demand on Ask Jeeves,” said Jim Lanzone, senior vice president of search properties at Ask Jeeves, Inc. “By utilizing Citysearch’s content-rich structured data, combined with our own proprietary technologies, we will make a significant step toward creating the smartest and most robust local search experience online.”
Smart Search utilizes Ask Jeeves’ proprietary combination of Teoma search, natural language, and structured-data search technologies to deliver a more intuitive search experience. Smart Search enables users to find what they need more easily by helping narrow, broaden or more directly answer user queries.
Citysearch is a leading local search service providing in-depth information on businesses, from restaurants and retail, to travel and professional services. Citysearch features more than two million editorial and user reviews and ratings of local businesses, which help users to make informed decisions about where to spend their time and money.
“Citysearch stands apart from other local search products because of its breadth and depth of local content and merchant base, which delivers a compelling consumer experience that makes users return frequently,” said Briggs Ferguson, CEO of Citysearch. “It was a natural fit for us to help power Ask Jeeves’ Smart Search results.”
Citysearch’s data will complement the local features already offered on Ask Jeeves, including Maps, Driving Directions, Weather, People Search, Movies and more.
