Google counters with universal search model

Not to be outdone by Microsoft, Google this week at the Search Engine Strategies conference in San Jose, announced progress in its universal search model project. The technology--first announced in May--is an improved version of the company's current search technology that it says will "break down silos of information on the Web and provide the best answer every time a user enters a query." It will allow users to search across content sources, compare and rank information in real time, and deliver a single set of integrated results. The objective is to move away from simply delivering links that may or may not be in an optimal context, and to provide richer answers to questions entered into the query box. The company is exploring ways to better use data from blogs, and YouTube videos to add to the body of searchable items.

To learn more on Google's search plans:
- see the article in Infoworld