Inktomi updates Web search service

Inktomi has released a new version of its Web search service that aims to help content publishers and online retailers more easily target local audiences, the company said Wednesday.

Inktomi makes some of its money by allowing marketers to pay to have their Web pages refreshed more often in its index. The "geo-targeting" feature in new Inktomi Web Search 9 allows those customers to select specific global regions they want to target.

The new search service also has a summary feature that suggests the most relevant pages. Results can range from computer-generated page fragments containing the keywords, to editor-written synopses, to descriptions submitted by the paying customers.

The new version also includes a spelling suggestion feature to help surfers find results.

Inktomi has been struggling in tougher economic times and has been faced with increased competition, particularly from Google.

Last week, Inktomi announced it was selling its corporate search business to Verity in a deal worth $25 million. David Peterschmidt, Inktomi's CEO, said the deal will allow the company to focus on its core Web search business.