Microsoft Corp.'s MSN division has released a beta version of a new local search service, which allows consumers to retrieve city-specific results from businesses, residential or local websites.
MSN says it plans to broaden the service to include mapping technologies, mobile search, local business and resident databases and local news, movie times, events and weather.
"MSN Search may not be leading the way in search innovation, but the portal has defiantly put its search on. MapPoint represents the kind of useful integration that seekers of geographically relevant information want. This local piece will complement an already robust offering and the highly anticipated paid search platform will give existing top portals a run for their user base," says Kevin Ryan, search editor, iMedia.
In May, MSN unveiled a demo of a mapping service known as Virtual Earth. MSN says that it plans to integrate Virtual Earth with MSN Search.
"We are deeply investing in developing world-leading local search services that precisely deliver the local information consumers care about. We remain committed to continuously improving our search service and today's Local Search beta release is just the beginning. With the addition of MSN Virtual Earth we are poised to take local search to the next level," says Christopher Payne, corporate vice president, MSN Search, Microsoft.
The local category on MSN is currently available to consumers. Each local result is shown as a numbered pin on a corresponding map provided through the Microsoft MapPoint web service. Beneath the results text ads are served.
MSN plans to move the Local Search out of beta by the end of this year.
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