AltaVista Challenges Google

Earlier today AltaVista, a popular search service, unveiled a new engine in an attempt to lure eyes from the increasingly popular Google. The idea behind AltaVista's new search engine is to challenge Google's simplicity by minimizing ad space, decreasing load times, and above all, returning accurate results.

'Raging Search,' the title of the new service, presents results much faster than those on its primary engine, according to AltaVista. There is also an absence of banner ads within the site.

The launch of Raging Search is most likely AltaVista's second attempt at going public. Attempts at this before were faltered, due to poor market conditions for Internet stocks. "We're confident we'll be a successful public company some day," stated Rod Schrock, an AltaVista chief executive.

Google is becoming popular for its simplicity, speed, and accuracy. It is backed by some of Silicon Valley's most influential venture capitalists, such as Sequoia Capital and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.