Microsoft Launches New Index and Search Interface
Yes, the rumors are true. Microsoft today launches (in beta) its new search engine index and algorithm. While the news may have leaked out yesterday and many of us have played in the "sandbox", today is the day that MSN takes the first step into the world of search.

So what are we getting? More than 5 billion indexed documents - which would have been the largest index if Google had not updated their count last night - results linked to Encarta and "Search Builder" which looks like a graphic equalizer for your search results.

The Search Builder is of particular interest as it allows MSN to provide "vanilla" results as a default while giving the searcher the option to adjust the results based upon freshness, popularity and targeting.

Other options from the MSN Search include "Direct Actions" for music queries. Direct Actions will link you directly to MSN Music. E.g. Search for "Madonna" and you'll be given an artist profile, links to music samples and options to buy the music.

"Direct Answers" allows users to ask the search engine a question - such as "What is the capital of Turkey?" - and receive the answer - "Ankara" - from Microsoft Encarta. This type of "ask a question" format is also used by Ask Jeeves' Smart Search technology.

MSN Search also includes a "Near Me" search button which uses a combination of zip code and IP address to show results in your local area, although without a local directory, the results can be hit and miss.

This is an exciting announcement and one that will help increase innovation and relevancy from the search engines. With MSN, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves and Google all competing for marketet share consumers will get a better product and search engine marketers will be able to demonstrate the need for professional services.

Here's a list of other stories on the new MSN Search.

Michael Bazeley - Mercury News
Richard Wilner - NYP
Stefanie Olsen - CNet
John Battelle
Chris Sherman - Search Engine Watch
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