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Yahoo Prepares Open Search Platform

Yahoo is preparing to launch a new search platform that would allow third parties to modify results by adding images, data and links. Listings can be modified, but the order of results cannot. Codenamed "SearchMonkey", Yahoo execs say the effect is supposed to be similar to that of Greasemonkey, a Firefox add-on that lets users see modified versions of Web sites. Similarly, SearchMonkey would be a series of search add-ons that users could turn on and off (though some will be turned on by default).

Open search would certainly open the door to more information for a given result. Yelp, a user generated local business review site, is one of the launch partners. Its listing will now include a photo, review information and the address and the company's contact information.

This is yet another example of Yahoo's "open" push. Third parties would benefit from modified search results by driving more traffic to their sites, and more calls to their businesses. When the platform launches, anybody will be able to modify and promote any Web site, adding reviews, information, video, etc.

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