Yahoo Unveils 'Build Your Own' Search

Yahoo on Monday released a Search Builder tool for creating customized search engines based on a select group of Web sites or specific search parameters. The new service is designed to compete with personal search upstarts including Eurekster and Rollyo.

Users can define what Web sites their search engine should scour, or utilize Yahoo's entire index. Yahoo! News sources can also be included. Furthermore, searches can be filtered by including a specific term or excluding keywords. For exampling, a Web site about software can include searches covering only that topic.

Yahoo! Search Builder is not targeted at individuals; instead, it creates code that can be easily integrated into a Web site. "You also have control over the look and feel of the search box and search results page. Voila! Instant search engine!" said Yahoo! Search developer Lingxian Ding.

The service additionally provides tools for analyzing search traffic. A "popular search" module shows the top searches being performed, while user and traffic reports help track growth.

"Now, whether you have a blog or website about diving, gaming, crafting, or anything in between you can create a search engine tailored for your users," said Ding. "We look forward to your comments and feedback. Let us know what new features you would like us to add."

Yahoo did not say whether it plans to share advertising revenue from the custom search engines with Web sites that integrate them. Eurekster is already offering such an opportunity to its users.