Yahoo recently revealed a new search engine, code name Alpha that is currently in beta stages and is based on an innovative technology for searching the Internet. Alpha was especially designed by Yahoo to represent an alternative to the classic search engine by allowing users to find files on the Internet using the concept of Federated Search. The Federated Search concept is used by the Internet portals that are based on numerous databases used to display the information. Generally, this function allows technologies to link two or more databases and return information from all of them according to the search query entered by the user.

"Alpha is a new beta product from Yahoo! that introduces the concept of Federated Search. With Alpha, you can search across many different search indices all on one page. Also, if you have a Yahoo! ID, you can log in to personalize your experience by moving the search sources around to suit you, or adding completely new ones of your own," Yahoo said in the description of the product.

According to the giant portal, the new search engine uses the OpenSearch technology that allows the product to collect information from any other location configured by the user. Alpha is currently accessible with a Yahoo account and is able to receive news through OpenSearch RSS technology.

As far I can see, Alpha is a test search engine powered by Yahoo, similar to Searchmash owned by Google. Searchmash was especially designed by the search giant with testing reasons to allow the company to test all the new features before they are implemented into the well-known Google product. Although it is not confirmed, Alpha can represent a test technology able to reveal all the new features meant to be included in Yahoo Search.