Microsoft debuts an initiative similar to Yahoo Search Builder

Oct 20, 2006 08:35 GMT  ·  By

Via Windows Live Search, the Redmond Company enables the creation of customized search engines to be embedded on websites. This has been possible following a major update to Search Macros. "Search Macros are personalized search engines for any topic area of interest. You can create them, use them, share them with friends or discover macros created by the community on Windows Live Gallery," stated Zachary Gutt, Program Manager Windows Live Search Macros.

The Reference Sites Search Engine by Live Search enables the searching of top reference sites on the Web. MSDN Search Engine is dedicated to the content on the Microsoft Developer Network, while the Video Games Search Engine is deigned for gaming information. These are all Macros delivered by Microsoft.

The Reference Sites Search Engine by Live Search provides to possibility to choose between a Basic and an Advanced Macro. The first is limited to searching a specific list of websites while the latter is powered by Live Search. Additionally users can define, test and save Macros.

"Users of the first Macros release told us that using a macro was difficult and not very user friendly. In this release, every macro now has its own homepage and human readable URL. This makes them much easier to use, bookmark, and send to friends over email or IM," added Gutt.