Yahoo Search BOSS: A New Approach to Search

The article discusses Yahoo’s BOSS program (Build your Own Search Service) and whether it is a viable solution for users and developers.

• The author highlights articles in Cnet, Techcrunch, and GigaOm showcasing Yahoo's efforts to open up its web search.
• BOSS lets developers submit queries and retrieve web, image, news, or spelling results in XML or JSON format.

The Limited Potential of Yahoo Search BOSS

While the article acknowledges that BOSS is a "neat little service," it also expresses concerns about its real-world impact.

• The author questions the commercial success of mashup companies that rely on APIs and argues that BOSS might not be the solution for Yahoo's traffic problems.
• The article suggests that BOSS could lead to PR-generating tech projects without substantial traction.

Search Engine Result Pages as Platforms

The article draws parallels between the search engine results page (SERP) and a platform, highlighting the importance of capturing subsequent traffic after the initial search query.

• Google’s SERP is seen as a valuable platform for capturing additional traffic.
• Google Maps, for example, benefits from the high traffic driven from search engine queries.

Opening up Yahoo Search Traffic

The article suggests that Yahoo needs to go beyond just opening up its APIs and should consider allowing developers to build extensions directly on the Yahoo domain.

• This approach would provide developers with access to Yahoo's traffic and allow them to target specific groups of queries, similar to how advertisers do.
• The author argues that this approach, while risky, could significantly change the search game.

Yahoo SearchMonkey: Early Implementation of the Platform Concept

The article mentions Yahoo SearchMonkey as an early implementation of the platform concept where developers can create search add-ons.

• The author acknowledges that SearchMonkey lacks effective distribution channels for developers to reach Yahoo search users.
• The article highlights the importance of platforms to build distribution channels beyond just APIs.

The Future of Yahoo Search and its API Strategy

The article explores the challenges facing Yahoo's search strategy and the potential of its API platform.

• While BOSS presents a promising approach, the article emphasizes the need for Yahoo to go beyond just providing APIs and open up its search traffic for developers.
• The author suggests that Yahoo should consider a bolder approach similar to Facebook's platform, which would allow developers to build extensions directly on the Yahoo domain.

The Importance of Yahoo Search API in the Current Landscape

The article highlights the significance of Yahoo's API strategy in the context of a rapidly evolving search landscape.

• With the rise of search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO), the ability to leverage APIs for search engine results has become increasingly crucial.
• The article underscores the need for Yahoo to provide developers with effective tools and resources to optimize their search strategies.
• This includes providing access to search traffic and developing distribution channels that will enable developers to reach a wider audience.