November 26, 2008 9:00 AM PST

Yahoo BOSS gives partners subject-specific search

Yahoo has begun offering a new variety of its BOSS (Build Your Own Search Service) called vertical lens technology that lets partners show a subset of search results relating to a particular area.

BOSS lets people repackage, reorder, blend, and otherwise change Yahoo's search results; academics and smaller sites may do so for free, but larger ones must show Yahoo search ads or sign a deal with Yahoo to share revenue. The vertical lens technology lets partners "create a truly comprehensive vertical search engine that complements their core user experience," according to Yahoo.

So far, only some partners can use the vertical lens technology. TechCrunch is one, using the vertical version of BOSS to show technology-related search results. "We're working to share the technology more openly through the BOSS API," or application programming interface, Yahoo said.

Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank.

Topics:: Developer tools,; Search

Tags:: Yahoo,; Boss,; Search,; TechCrunch

Share:: Digg; Del.icio.us; Reddit; Facebook; Twitter

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right

The Download Blog
Google Chrome now bundled with Avast
You wouldn't necessarily expect it, but Avast and Google Chrome might be the next peanut butter-and-jelly combo in the software world.
Gallery
Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Crave
The 30 most anticipated games of 2010
With 2009 almost behind us, it's time to look forward and make our picks for the hottest games of 2010.
Beyond Binary
Windows 7 family pack starting to sell out
Microsoft had said it was a "while supplies last" offer and, sure enough, supplies are starting to run out. It's still available at Amazon, though.
Video
Microsoft's new mapping tricks
Technically Incorrect
In new ad, AT&T, Luke Wilson say Verizon is slow
The latest punch in the battle between AT&T and Verizon sees Luke Wilson being downloaded, allegedly via Verizon's 3G, without his head.
Video
A window into the Microsoft Store
Green Tech
'Green' gas and diesel get boost in biofuel grants
Federal government pumps more than $600 million in projects to demonstrate advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and plant-based replacements for diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline.
Technically Incorrect
Bartender, gimme a beer from outer space
Japanese brewer Sapporo launches a beer it says is made from barley grown on the International Space Station. The 250 winners of a lottery for it will each receive a six-pack.
Gallery
Solar Impulse aircraft flies, briefly (photos)
Crave
@Uh-oh: Twoddler lets toddlers send tweets
A tricked-out Fisher Price Activity Center with pictures of family members and friends attached and an Arduino board inside lets toddlers sent predefined messages to their own Twitter accounts.
30 Days of Innovation
Build muscle, charge your phone with YoGen
Easy Energy will launch the YoGen at CES 2010, a mobile charger that solely relies on hand power. The pocket-size charger lets you generates energy by repeatedly pulling a ripcord.