Google Mini debuts in Europe

Google on Wednesday launched its entry-level search appliance, the Google Mini, into the European market. The Google Mini is designed to enable small businesses to let employees and Web site visitors search up to 100,000 documents, including blog and wiki entries. Google hopes to find customers among health care organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and small to midsize businesses such as law firms and consultancies.

The company already sells a search appliance in Europe, but it typically costs more than the $3,735 (1,995 pounds) Google will charge for the Mini. The Mini can handle up to 60 queries a minute. "With more Web pages, Weblogs, wikis and other content, businesses of every size are having a hard time keeping track of it all," said Roberto Solimene, enterprise sales director of Google Europe. "With Google, you can help your customers and employees quickly find the information they need."

Matt Loney of ZDNet UK reported from London.