Claria Launches 'Non-Adware' Product

Claria launched the beta of its customized web portal Monday, marking the end of a two-year project to clean up the company's image. Called PersonalWeb, the site requires a small download that analyzes a user's surfing habits and then places suggested content on the portal without setup from the user.

In an addition to suggested content, PersonalWeb would also provide links to a customers web e-mail accounts and RSS integration. Claria said that it would continue to add features over the next several months as well as adding support for other browsers.

Currently, the service is only compatible with Windows XP and Windows 2000 using Internet Explorer 6 or newer, according to the site.

News of PersonalWeb's release follows Claria's announcement March 22 that it intended to shed its adware business. Company executives felt the move was necessary in order for Claria's new search business to be taken seriously.

The company made it clear in its announcement that any information gathered by the application is completely anonymous. Technology known as RelevancyRank would be used in order to figure out what content a user would be most likely interested in.

Additionally, Claria has plans to resell the technology behind PersonalWeb to third parties to create branded versions of the portal. It can even be customized to include the third party's content by default. Deals through this channel are expected by the summer, Claria said.