Bigmouthmedia search engine news: desktop-search

Google hires CodeWeavers to improve Photoshop in Linux

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Search engine provider Google has revealed it has hired CodeWeavers to make improvements to the Wine project that will allow Adobe Photoshop CS and CS2 to function better on the Linux desktop.

CodeWeavers aims to transform Linux into a Windows-compatible operating system and promote the growth of free software by supporting the Wine project, among other things.

Wine is described by the firm as a "compatibility layer" that runs for Windows programs. It does not require Windows as it consists of 100 per cent non-Microsoft code.

The software package aims to replicate Windows libraries to enable some of the most popular Windows applications to run in a Linux environment.

Commenting on Google's sponsoring of Wine improvements to Photoshop, one internet user wrote on the Open Source at Google blog: "Thanks to the Google guys for this great effort! I believe that getting adequate support for commercial applications is necessary for [the] success of Linux on the desktop."

Meanwhile, another added: "Photoshop is probably the only piece of software stopping me swapping now and I imagine that's quite a common reason."

According to Angus Kidman at APC Mag, while Google's strengthening of Linux "doesn't necessarily have to undermine Windows", this does remain "a potent side effect".

Linux is a free software and open source development predominantly known for its use in servers and supported by a number of companies, including IBM and Sun Microsystems.

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Google launches Mac OS X version of Gadgets

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Google has released a Mac OS X version of its Gadgets application, making it possible for people to write a Gadget once and then run it on the web, a PC and a Mac.

Powered by Google, the Gadgets are miniature objects created by developers that offer dynamic content that can be placed on any web page.

These mini applications, some of which are created by Google and others by third-party developers, can be used to show email, weather updates, personalised news and photos, among other content.

Meanwhile, other Gadgets provided by Google include a clock, calendar and to-do list.

According to the search engine provider, they "might come in handy when you're at work, at school or just passing time".

Google Gadgets had been available to Mac users previously, via third-party translators or through the company's online Gadgets service.

Now, however, the utility will be 'piggybacking' on Apple's own software.

The new software positions Google's Gadgets on the dashboard screen next to the Apple widgets, enabling users to access both sets of applications simultaneously.

According to VNUNet.com, the search engine has also updated the application to make it work on the Mac version of the software "with little or no change in code".

This means that developers will now be able to create gadgets for all three versions of the application. However, Google added that Gadgets which are reliant on Windows-specific application programming interfaces or programmes will not work with the Mac version.

Users are also set to benefit from automatic updates to the Gadget list, which will be released each week.

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Microsoft to change desktop search feature

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Microsoft has outlined the alterations it will make to its Windows Vista desktop search feature, CNET News.com reports.

The changes, which are coming with the first service pack to Windows Vista (SP1), are being made in order to satisfy antitrust concerns raised by the search engine Google.

Earlier this year, Google complained to US antitrust officials about Microsoft's built-in search tool, saying that it constrains Google's similar search programme.

According to CNET News.com, the most notable impact of the modifications will grant Vista users who opt for a non-Microsoft option for desktop search more outlets through which to see those search results, as opposed to results generated by the desktop search engine incorporated in Vista.

In an email to the online publication, a Microsoft representative said that the changes mean that "in addition to the numerous ways a user could access a third-party search solution in Windows Vista, they can now get to their preferred search results from additional entry points in the start menu and Explorer Windows in Windows Vista with SP1".

Microsoft added that, in order to enable access to the search applications, it will be necessary for search providers to register their service using the new protocol in Windows Vista SP1.

The software company is also set to release three documents intended to help the industry grasp the changes.

Microsoft intends to launch Windows Vista SP1 in the first quarter of 2008, according to reports in ChannelWeb.

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Yahoo! launches new web browser tool

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

A joint venture has been established between search engine Yahoo! and CA, formerly Computer Associates, regarding co-branded versions of Yahoo!'s toolbar.

The web browser toolbar will be branded with the names of both companies and will comprise further features such as email alerts, desktop searches and links that take the user to other CA-operated services.

This is not the first link-up between the two companies; Yahoo! and CA began working together in 2004 when the former utilised anti-spyware technology on its web browsers that was developed by the latter.

In a statement, Joff Redfern, senior director of product management for Yahoo! search distribution, explained: "Many internet users are still unsure what products they need to protect themselves from spyware.

"We look forward to working with CA to deliver quality, reliable anti-spyware protection as part of the Yahoo! Toolbar."

The rollout of the new co-branded web browser toolbar will coincide with the imminent introduction to the market of CA Home/Home Office goods. CA's spyware technology will also continue to be utilised by Yahoo! as part of the deal.

George Kafkarkou, senior vice-president for CA's home and small office division, stated: "The CA/Yahoo! toolbar will complement our new products and provide our customers with an enhanced online experience."

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IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition adds new features

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Six months after its initial launch, the free IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Enterprise Edition has been downloaded by more than 21,000 companies. Now, IBM has found partners that offer enhanced features and extended capabilities.

IBM OmniFind Yahoo! search tool enables companies to provide both employees and customers with a professional search engine that can browse through more than 500,000 documents, or provide an alternative web search, from a single and fully customisable interface.

Many businesses and organisations are struggling to effectively use the information contained on large internal databases. IBM OmniFind is a fantastic solution that can be download in three clicks and provides an interface which can be customized and blended on existing websites, intranets or used as a standalone product. Once the software is installed, the files or databases in question need to be crawled by the software. The end result is an alternative and easy way to find files, by means of introducing keywords or related keyphrases on a search box.

The software also allows for the promotion of specific files on related keyphrases, which will appear at the top of search results page. IBM OmniFind supports more than 200 file types and 30 languages. The ability to customize the user interface is a fantastic way to preserve branding. Additional technical support is outside the free package deal, but it's still worth noting that they do provide 24/7 support.

The new partners are Axioma, Cognos, Fortune Interactive, Grokker, TDI and TnR Global. Axioma has provided the technology behind the improved relevancy of results and score rankings, which therefore increases ROI. Fortune Interactive works on the same lines, but concentrates on featured or sponsored links. IBM OmniFind enables users to select specific files which will be promoted to the top of the search results; the Featured Match add-on developed by Fortune Interactive makes sure that organic search results are promoted if the content matches with the featured links.

TDI has helped with a special reporting system for sensitive information identifying whether or not a specific file complies with government regulations. This is especially useful for public bodies but also any kind of company which holds large amounts of personal data such as credit card transactions, personal data, etc.

During its short life, it has had some outstanding applications. As bigmouthmedia reported in March 2007, IBM's OmniFind Yahoo! Edition was used by the Anomalies Network to launch a paranormal search engine able to retrieve information from thousands of UFO sightings reports and paranormal phenomena, which enables users to concentrate on search within a specific field - an area in which other larger search engines tend to lack.

IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition is a fantastic aid for enterprises wanting to increase ROI and internal efficiency of their employees and it's likely that, in the future, newer enhancements will come about as more and more partners sign up for the program.

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Google still unsatisfied with Windows Vista Search ruling

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The Google versus Microsoft Windows Vista Search anti-trust saga seemed to have been cleared up with the US Justice Department ruling that Microsoft had to change its Vista desktop search settings a few weeks ago. But in another twist to the tale, Google have asked for permission to speak directly to the court in question.

The disagreement between the technology giants stems from default search functions built into Windows Vista by Microsoft, dubbed Instant Search, and a popular rival program developed by Google called Desktop Search. Both programs allow you to find files, documents and programs on your computer which relate to your search term. However, Google filed a complaint about Microsoft's offering saying that it violated anti-trust regulations.

Microsoft were ordered to implement a system which would allow users to choose their preferred desktop search option, similar to the way in which a default search engine is selected in Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser. Google also raised concerns about how rival desktop search programs were allowed to function on Vista, claiming that Microsoft ensured that these programs performed poorly when compared to their default offering.

The latest development in the case sees Google wishing to lobby the court in order to extend the anti-trust settlement's end date past November 12th 2007. Microsoft has made it known that it is planning to release a large update for Windows Vista in early 2008, in which the changes ordered by the court would be implemented. Google, however, seem to be concerned that if the anti-trust agreement ends in November, the changes proposed by Microsoft and agreed by the court may not be fully implemented.

Microsoft rebuked Google's advances to the court by re-iterating that the court had accepted the changes it proposed to make to its flagship operating system and that there was no need for Google to become involved in the case again. The overseeing judge appointed to review Microsoft's efforts to fulfil anti-trust recommendations since 2002, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, sided with Microsoft on the matter stating that "Google is not a party in this case".

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Google Desktop now available on Linux

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Google has announced that its Google Desktop application is now available on the Linux operating system.

Desktop, which allows users to "search their desktop and the web" as quickly and easily as they would with Google, can now be used on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.

Among the major features of Google Desktop for Linux is Comprehensive Indexing, which gives users the option to search the full text of almost all of their computer's content.

This includes text, PDF, PS, source code, HTML files, email from Thunderbird, OpenOffice.org documents, Man and Info pages, folders, images, and music.

It can also recover previous versions of files which have accidentally been deleted.

The Linux Google Desktop offers users the Quick Search Box function, which the search favourite claims is the "fastest way to do web and desktop searches", with results displayed instantly as users type.

It also includes Gmail and web history search, with Google suggesting that "not all things users are looking for resides on their computers", while adding that Gmail and web history can be accessed offline.

"With this release, Google Desktop joins the Picasa, Google Earth and Google Toolbar for Firefox applications among Google's offerings for Linux," a Google statement read.

"In addition to creating products that run on Linux, Google supports the Linux community in a variety of ways, such as releasing open source code, running the Summer of Code and hosting tens of thousands of open source projects on Google Code."

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Vista Desktop Search changed in antitrust complaint from Google

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

After initial resistance, Microsoft are planning to comply with a recent Justice Department decree filed by Google, which cited that Microsoft have been flouting antitrust restrictions with their Vista desktop search tool.

Google's claims of Microsoft antitrust violations centre around the software giant's latest Windows incarnation of desktop search nestled inside Vista - the default search option for all new installations. According to Google this search tool is anti-competitive in that it's difficult for other software makers to offer alternatives to users and integrate them easily into the Microsoft Vista operating system.

Not long after Google filed a report to the US Justice Department, Microsoft dismissed the allegations, indicating they had analysed any possible antitrust compliance before launching the software. Now Microsoft have said they will comply with the request and include an update to the Vista desktop search tool in their first big service pack due before the end of the year. This update will include the option to change the system's default search tool to a solution of their choosing, which may be Google Desktop Search. The start menu will also be updated to feature a link to any alternative search tool.

With this solution in place, big manufacturers like Dell or HP can pass this greater flexibility on to their customers through the choice of competing desktop search products. Microsoft will also have to inform manufacturers, end users and software makers that the desktop search index tool in Vista is designed to run in the background and will cede precedence over computing resources to any other software product, including desktop search products.

Following the final agreement between Microsoft and the Justice Department, Google claimed to feel that Microsoft could do a lot more to offer users a choice of desktop search tools and not just stick with the default. Google have also expressed that these changes should go deeper into the system in all areas where search is an essential feature.

The Office of the Attorney General appears to side with Google, and California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. commented:

"This agreement - while not perfect - is a positive step towards greater competition in the software industry. It will enhance the ability of consumers to select the desktop search tool of their choice."

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Google acquire video conferencing software

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Google announced today that the have acquired Marratech AB, a developer of video conferencing software based in Stockholm, Sweden. This takes Google one step further into the world of collaborative web tools. Google said this acquisition will "enable from-the-desktop participation for Googlers in video conference meetings wherever there's an Internet connection."

Marratech will, however, continue to support its customers and resellers following the acquisition, it was disclosed on Thursday. Google said Marratech's engineers will remain in Sweden and continue to develop the desktop conferencing software. Marratech is being used by companies across the world and has won several industry awards and accolades including the 2001 European IST Prize, awarded by the European Council of Applied Sciences and Engineering (Euro-CASE) with support from the EU's Information Society Technologies Programme.

The cross-platform conferencing software allows people to interact using video, audio and instant messenger, and also lets users share applications. The client software runs on Windows 2000 or XP, Mac OS X 10.4, or versions of Linux including Mandriva 10.2, SuSE 9.1 or Fedora Core 2; it requires a Pentium III or G4 processor running at 1GHz or faster.

Presently, existing conferencing services available online typically charge users per minute of the conference. According to Marratech, it is cheaper for companies to buy their server based conferencing software than to opt for the temporary online option.

For Google, the acquisition is just the latest in a series of moves taking it into the sphere of collaborative working. It already offers communication tools, including the GoogleTalk messaging and VOIP (voice over IP) application, as well as a white-label version of its e-mail and calendaring tools for small businesses.

Online blogs and forums have been discussing the acquisition with much speculation about other Google software collaborative products, which we may soon see integrated into the conferencing platform.

Google Talk

Google Talk for example is a messaging and VOIP (voice over IP) application which may be integrated into their new video conferencing software. In the past Google have lost out in the field of online communication programs to fierce competitors, including Skype, Microsoft and Yahoo!. This new move may be Google's attempt to bring its VOIP services to the forefront.

Google Apps

The recently upgraded Google Apps hosted suite was set to challenge the dominance of Microsoft Office. Is there potential for video conferencing integration here? A 'virtual office' from Google would certainly offer a more complete and compelling system for the corporate world. What's more, Google Docs could also play a part in Google's collaborative plans.

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IBM and Yahoo! release improved enterprise search tool

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

IBM has just released a brand new version of IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition 8.4.1, a free enterprise search tool that enables both staff and external users to easily search up to 500,000 documents or, alternatively, make a regular web search.

Essentially, IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition allows businesses to offer a professional and fully customisable search solution in a matter of minutes. The new release includes 60 new features and the user interface is now available in 13 additional languages; additionally, 22 bugs have been fixed.

Many enterprises suffer from lack of technical expertise; and finding a document, especially when there are large databases involved, can be tricky business. IBM Omnifind Yahoo! Edition provides a free software solution with a clear and extremely user-friendly design, which enables businesses to provide a search engine with a simple three-click installation process. This software also supports more than 200 file types and over 30 languages in total.

A key feature of the revamped free search tool is the ability to guide employees and customers by promoting search results. Synonyms can be assigned to individual files or URLs in order to increase search result relevancy, therefore increasing the exposure of the search results that are considered to be more relevant.

New features include advanced search in the search application, customization of user interface links, inclusion of meta-data on search results if used in the query and Firefox 2 support. What's more, the font of the search results can now be customized by the user and the Title bar can be also altered.

The main benefits of this free application are the potential to increase staff productivity and boost ROI. Many enterprises suffer from legacy systems where a great deal of information is stored but is difficult to find. IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition allows customers and employees to find information at a much faster rate and dramatically increases the speed of information retrieval. It may be particularly useful for those companies with distributed networks and different geographic locations, enabling easy access to any file previously crawled.

From a customer point of view, this application looks professional and the capability of full customization allows a seamless integration with any existing website or intranet. IBM also provides a paid service for software support which is entirely optional. An example of the successful integration of IBM OmniFind Yahoo! Edition can be found in the UFO Crawler, a search engine provided by the Anomalies Network that lets users search any document regarding paranormal phenomena.

The free IBM/Yahoo! solution is in direct competition with Google Enterprise search, which comes at a price tag of $2,000.

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