Searching for an Answer to Googles
After watching Google quickly become a dominant force on the Web, Amazon launched its own search site, A9.com, in 2003. Although the site actually used Google’s search technology to produce answers to queries, it offered some unique features, such as millions of street-level photos of local businesses in the site’s Yellow Pages.
But the site never caught on, leaving its traffic far behind at least a half-dozen other search sites. So recently, Amazon cut back many of the features, such as the Yellow Pages, a browser toolbar, and a discount to Amazon customers for using the site. Amazon says the operation, based in Palo Alto, Calif., continues to research product search technology, but it appears Amazon’s attempt to become a search power on its own is over.
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